The opening of Stonegate, the second feature-length film from director Daniel Groom, is both impressive and not at the same time. The cinematography, sound design, and general atmosphere all convey a sense of dread and doom. The acting, on the other hand, is strained and awkward. Instead of fear, the actor seems annoyed. Can the film overcome this initial strange mishmash and keep the scares coming?
Years ago, a doctor covered up the murder of his patients. Due to neglect and a lack of funds, the hospital where those terrible deeds occurred closed. Now, teenage friends Nolan (Rowan Muzzy), Diego (Jake Labrie), Skyler (Gabrielle Casey), and Jaxson (Aaron Weatherwax) decide to explore the long-abandoned place. At first, it seems to be just run-down and forgotten, not haunted. However, the more they explore, the more the sinister history of the place unveils itself to the four.
Unfortunately, those misdeeds have close ties to home for Nolan. Things are made worse due to the teen’s dad, Marshall (Patrick McAvoy), treating him like an afterthought and drinking all day. Things between them get so bad that Aunt Kelly (Patience McStravick) takes the boy in for a night. What is Marshall’s connection to Stonegate? Will the restless souls of the hospital ever find peace? Will Nolan and his friends escape the ghosts’ grasp intact?
“…the more they explore, the more the sinister history of the place unveils itself to the four.”
It is hard to believe that the teens, all born and raised in the town where the film is set, did not grow up hearing urban legends about the haunted hospital. It is even more unbelievable that the leads know how to operate a VCR. Still, Stonegate offers a lot to appreciate, especially in terms of its atmosphere.
But first, let’s wrap things back around to the first paragraph: yes, the acting does improve after the prologue. While not everyone is good — the lady playing the nurse undersells a lot of the action — for the most part, the cast works. Muzzy, Labrie, Casey, and Weatherwax come across as realistic teens and share an easygoing chemistry. McAvoy brings the right amount of menace and guilt to his part. Mark Lund portrays Father Clayton and is fantastic.
Where Groom really excels is in mood. The director knows how to frame a shot to create an uneasy atmosphere. Even something as simple as dinner between Nolan, Marshall, and Aunt Kelly is framed to feel off to some degree. The sound design plays a massive part in the dread as well. Sounds seem to originate from anywhere on screen in some scenes, which is most startling. The stellar music, which is never overpowering, is ominous and intense for the entire 108-minute runtime.
Stonegate is a solid indie horror feature. While not everything about it works, it is clear that Groom is a natural-born filmmaker, as his technical prowess is impressive. The teens are likable and easy to root for, and the film is unnerving far more than not. Overall, this flick is a great introductory horror title for tweens and teens.
"…is a great introductory horror title for tweens and teens."
