We Are Still Here (2015) – A Haunting Tale of Grief and Revenge
Introduction
“We Are Still Here,” directed by Ted Geoghegan, is a 2015 horror film that combines elements of supernatural terror with a chilling exploration of grief and revenge. Starring Barbara Crampton, Andrew Sensenig, Lisa Marie, and Larry Fessenden, the film delivers a compelling and atmospheric narrative set in the wintry isolation of rural New England.
Plot Summary
The story follows Anne (Barbara Crampton) and Paul Sacchetti (Andrew Sensenig), a grieving couple who move to a secluded house in the countryside after the tragic death of their son, Bobby. Seeking solace and a fresh start, they soon discover that their new home harbors dark secrets.
Anne begins to feel a strange presence in the house and becomes convinced that Bobby’s spirit is trying to communicate with them. The couple invites their friends, May (Lisa Marie) and Jacob Lewis (Larry Fessenden), who have an interest in the paranormal, to visit and help them understand the haunting.
As the friends delve deeper into the house’s history, they uncover the grim story of the previous occupants, the Dagmar family, who ran a funeral home and engaged in sinister activities. The house, they learn, demands a sacrifice every 30 years and has a dark influence over the town’s residents, who are complicit in the cycle of death.
The film builds to a horrifying climax as the vengeful spirits of the Dagmar family are unleashed, and Anne and Paul must fight to survive the night. The revelation of the town’s dark pact and the true nature of the spirits add layers of dread and tragedy to the story.
Performance and Direction
Barbara Crampton delivers a powerful performance as Anne, portraying her character’s profound grief and determination with emotional depth. Andrew Sensenig complements her performance with his portrayal of Paul, a rational skeptic who gradually confronts the reality of the supernatural. Lisa Marie and Larry Fessenden add to the film’s intensity with their performances as the paranormal investigators who uncover the house’s secrets.
Ted Geoghegan’s direction is deliberate and atmospheric, creating a sense of unease and foreboding from the outset. The pacing allows for a slow build-up of tension, interspersed with moments of shocking violence and horror. Geoghegan effectively uses the isolated setting and the stark winter landscape to enhance the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Visual and Special Effects
The cinematography by Karim Hussain captures the bleak and desolate beauty of the New England countryside, emphasizing the isolation and vulnerability of the characters. The interior shots of the house are dark and claustrophobic, adding to the sense of entrapment and terror.
The special effects, particularly the practical effects and makeup used to depict the vengeful spirits, are gruesome and effective, enhancing the film’s horror elements without relying heavily on CGI. The film’s use of practical effects adds a tangible, visceral quality to the supernatural encounters.
Themes and Analysis
“We Are Still Here” explores themes of grief, guilt, and the cyclical nature of violence. The film delves into the impact of loss on individuals and relationships, as seen in Anne and Paul’s struggle to cope with their son’s death. The house serves as a metaphor for unresolved grief and the lingering presence of past traumas.
The film also examines the idea of complicity and collective guilt, as the townspeople’s participation in the cycle of sacrifice reflects broader themes of moral corruption and the consequences of past sins. The vengeful spirits represent the inescapable nature of these transgressions, demanding retribution and justice.
Streaming and Availability
“We Are Still Here,” the film is available for streaming on several platforms in the United States. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and Shudder. Additionally, it is available for rent or purchase on Google Play, Vudu, and Apple TV.
Conclusion
“We Are Still Here” is a haunting and atmospheric horror film that combines supernatural elements with a poignant exploration of grief and revenge. With strong performances, particularly from Barbara Crampton, and effective direction by Ted Geoghegan, the film offers a compelling and terrifying viewing experience. Whether you’re a fan of haunted house stories or looking for a horror film with emotional depth, “We Are Still Here” delivers a powerful and unsettling narrative.
