Mystery Highway is a sci-fi-horror anthology film and a compilation of shorts from TimeAxisMedia. The anthology is framed through truck drivers listening to a radio show called Mystery Highway, and their reactions to the stories being told. George Bell (Walter M. Nowosad Jr.) is the host, and he transports us to tales featuring ghosts, aliens, post-apocalyptic realms, games of death, and the tragedy of immortality. Each of these films weaves creatively stimulating concepts into grounded settings.
Here are some of the highlights! The Loyal Remnant (2016) is a Christian-themed tale about survivors crossing a barren landscape after the Rapture. The survivors seemingly meet two men, Nick (Lon Sierra) and Dante (Jarryd Gooch), who provide food and shelter. One of the survivors, Diana (Hannah Laine), catches on that Nick is a dark figure with ties to the Book of Genesis. You Are Me follows a scientist, Greyson (Randy Davison), who is diagnosed with a tragic illness. When his wife, Aerin (Annie Willett), is at work, he creates a robotic clone that will preserve his consciousness after he dies. Little does he know that Aerin is planning a similar fate for herself. There are other fascinating films that deserve a mention. Crazy Joe (2012) tackles the difficulties of grief, and Dark Chocolate is a dark comedy that would not be out of place on The Twilight Zone.
“…ghosts, aliens, post-apocalyptic realms, games of death, and the tragedy of immortality.”
Director and screenwriter Clarke M. Smith was clever in giving his film catalogue new life through the anthology format. Smith’s production company features a great stock company of talent. Randy Davison, James Steinberg, and Christopher Cendana are versatile in their performances. Davison is featured in both lead and supporting roles, and all of his roles have a sincere everyman quality to them.
From a creative and budget perspective, each of these films uses VFX sparingly. This gives the audience time to relate to the characters. When CGI effects appear, it is in service of the story and reveal a suspenseful twist. One of the short films, Stover Hill (2014), has an eerie lighting effect that accentuates the chaotic cinematography by John Christian Patterson.
For those expecting a stylized film, like Tales from The Hood, Mystery Highway goes the opposite direction and uses sci-fi as a way to explore tough emotions. For fans of sci-fi and horror, Clarke M. Smith’s film offers a fresh take on various subgenres in a genuine way.
"…{Randy} Davison is featured in both lead and supporting roles… all of his roles have a sincere everyman quality to them."
