Don't Look at the Demon

Don't Look at the Demon
Starring Fiona Dourif, Jordan Belfi, Harris Dickinson, Randy Wayne
Directed by Brando Lee

While I am a horror aficionado and absolutely enjoy all things supernatural, I could never get into shows like "Ghost Adventures" because I feel like they're too fake, and lack any real investigative talents. The show has been around for years, and the closest they've ever come to capturing a real life ghost is fleeting shadows, muffled words, and self-described cold spots with unexplained scratches. Never once has they - or anyone, to my knowledge - ever captured an unliving, unbreathing ghost on camera that'd be the be-all-end-all for proof of the afterlife. Films like "Grave Encounters" manage to fictionalize these ghost hunting shows in a very powerful, terrifying way, and "Don't Look at the Demon" is a great blend between the two: it's not a "found footage" film, but rather a more straight-on film about a ghost hunting television crew who finds more than they bargained for.

The Skeleton Crew is a team of ghost hunters led by medium Jules (Fiona Dourif), who achieved her powers to communicate with the dead at a young age and after a very terrifying and life-changing encounter that she's been running from ever since, and find themselves traversing the mythical Malayan landscape. Her boyfriend/producer Matty (Jordan Belfi), translator Annie (Thao Nhu Phan), and cameraman brothers Wolf (Randy Wayne) and Ben (Harris Dickinson) join her on the road as they begin an investigation into a supposed haunting at the home of married couple Ian (William Miller) and Martha (Malin Crepin). At first Jules doesn't feel anything paranormal, but soon cracks begin to show and she - and everyone else in the house - comes under attack by an evil entity that wants to destroy everyone in the home, and claim what it feels is rightfully its own to possess.

"Don't Look at the Demon" is equal parts by-the-book possession film and decent smaller budget horror film that provides unique jump scares and decent performances, and somehow I found it more terrifying and exciting than "Smile," even though it's rather typical of the genre. By utilizing its smaller budget, it kept the story in a confined space and relied heavily on the performances to drive its point home, and does so with a fervor and dedication that's admirable if not typical.

This haunted house story centers on a Malayan banned custom that's definitely gross and unthinkable, and would've been better if it was more explored than it was. As it is, though, this added detail that's gone unnoticed in American eyes really adds to the emotional depth and terror the film conveys, even if the script is a bit softly written for the material. It relies more on traditional poltergeist-style scares mixed with demon possession that seemingly obviously draws reference to "The Conjuring" - including the levitating chair trick. Still, by using the natural light to give off darker tones even in sunlight, and including effective jump scares, it balances everything out to a healthy medium in the horror genre.

Fiona Dourif is no stranger to the horror genre, appearing in several "Chucky" films as well as being the daughter of the voice of Chucky himself, Brad Dourif, and she is a very versatile actress in the way she can bend, contort, and use her body in order to effectively portray the terror expressed on screen. She plays a multi-layered character who is running from a traumatic event in her childhood, as well as using her abilities to help people in need. When she chooses the house belonging to Ian and Martha, it's not by accident - she's drawn there, and soon discovers why, finding herself in over her head against the demonic force that threatens to destroy her.

Her supporting cast fares a little less when it comes to character development. Her boyfriend is more interested in the show than her, and the cameramen brothers are more into getting paid than finding something supernatural, and smaller side stories deter from the main plot in silly soap-opera ways (including the cheesy musical score you'd find from such shows). A film like this doesn't need that expository B and C storylines, and suffers because of it.

Still, the effects are impressive, the story is deeply layered and keeps you on the edge of your seat, and Fiona Dourif commits to the bit with every ounce of her body and soul. Even though it's a trope-filled horror tale, it provides effective jump scares and characters you care about, no matter how thinly written they are. It's not "The Exorcist," but it'll do for a Halloween night of frights.

The Score: C+