The Paranormal Research Unit team is comprised of Matt Benton, Joe Vitaie, Jimmie Mitchell, Helena Benton, and Dante Reeder. They travel extensively to investigate potential supernatural and paranormal phenomena and uncover the root cause of why they are happening. Evil Unearthed, directed by Benton, chronicles the team’s most formidable challenge yet: the Monroe House. Written by Benton, Sharon Gieseke, Rachel WH, and Tanya LaForce West, the documentary runs 2 hours and 21 minutes long. Is there enough material to keep audience members intrigued, or is this just an extended episode of the schlock peddled on television?
Nestled along Monroe Ave in Hartford City, Indiana, is the house that would enthrall paranormal investigators for years to come. After a tragic fire, the survivor had the house rebuilt with guest rooms, but those staying there began to exhibit rage and anger, no matter how prim and proper and reserved they were previously. Ulysses Meyers and his family checked in, but the man pulled a Jack Torrance and began abusing his wife. Due to the house’s reputation, the original owners were unable to keep tenants and had to sell. Over the years, the dwelling changed hands many times, but there was also one constant: owners and guests alike would report inexplicable happenings, strange sounds, and an eerie sense of menace. The PRU is now tasked with finding out who or what has been haunting the Monroe House for over a hundred years and why.
Evil Unearthed feels about as authentic as any given episode of Ancient Aliens. The PRU team members acquit themselves very well on camera, but everyone else speaks in a stammering, forced manner. These folks might not be actors exactly, but they don’t come across as real people. The goofy font used for on-screen text doesn’t help, as it resembles a 13-year-old’s idea of creepy and dampens the intended seriousness.
Matt Benton and a team member discuss their findings during a nighttime paranormal investigation in Evil Unearthed.
“…tasked with finding out who or what has been haunting the Monroe House for over a hundred years and why.”
Then, of course, there is the insane runtime. This film runs only 8 minutes shorter than Avengers: Infinity War (including credits for both), and many sequences feel redundant or go on too long. The moment with Benton in a sensory deprivation mask drags on forever, with little in the way of scares occurring. Cutting the documentary down to less than two hours would significantly improve the urgency and maintain the momentum. All watching don’t need a rundown of each hour of each day of the investigation, which is almost what happens here.
With all that being said, there is a lot to admire in Evil Unearthed. For starters, the audio throughout is crisp and clear. Yes, even the garbles emitted by possibly evil entities are distinct from the usual background noise and that of the people on screen. This gives the supernatural haunting element a sense of plausibility that most other paranormal investigations lack. The backstory of the house is presented with the right amount of gravitas and intensity, so it is clear that all the participants are taking the situation seriously.
The shining star is Michelle Belanger. This demonology expert (go Jesuits and college!) is a compelling figure. She’s hesitant to call things the work of demons, as demon means something particular and is often misused. She sets the record straight on several matters, but even she cannot explain away or dismiss everything that happens at the Monroe House. Her interview starts right before the 2-hour mark, and this is when the movie really picks up and becomes far more engrossing.
Evil Unearthed is far too long and feels like a typical episode of a paranormal show for most of its runtime. I mean, a well-made episode, but still an episode of a show. But the sound design is excellent, and the history of Monroe House is compelling. Additionally, Belanger is so well-spoken and intelligent that she single-handedly makes the final 20 minutes the most engaging part of the entire motion picture.
"…the sound design is excellent..."
