Showing posts with label sara paxton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sara paxton. Show all posts

12 July 2013

Static DVD Review

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Rating:
15
DVD Release date:
15th July 2013 (UK)
Rating:
15 (UK)
Director:
Todd Levin
Cast:
Milo Ventimiglia, Sarah Shahi, Sara Paxton
Buy Static: [DVD]
This year's horror features have mostly been sub-standard releases (with the odd exception e.g. Lords of Salem, The Conjuring), however, Todd Levin's Static serves as a stellar reminder that there are still filmmakers capable of crafting some classy scares without resulting to the use of lashings of gore.

Static follows writer Jonathan Dade (Milo Ventimiglia) and his wife Addie (Sarah Shahi) who quietly grief the loss of their child in their secluded home. However, the arrival of a hysterical young woman (Sara Paxton) chased by a group of masked men forces the young couple into a fight for survival.

Levin's feature is a slow-building one, captured with a quiet yet remarkably unsettling atmosphere (similar to 2008's The Strangers). Whilst the opening sets up this underlying unease in the couple's woodland-surrounded house, Gabriel Cowan's screenplay also establishes a sense of depth and humanity within the protagonists: we see Jonathan thrown off his work and Addie look for purpose as a result of their child's death. Therefore when the tension does escalate and the couple are threatened there is a genuine empathy and support for these characters.

The arrival of Paxton's character really takes the tension up a notch and thrusts Static into full gear. The actress plays the stranger with a sense of mysteriousness which could be construed as something more sinister as we see her skulk round the couples' home. Levin has a real knack for building suspense - perfectly showcased in one sequence which sees Jonathan venture out of the house to investigate the stranger's damaged car. As the film turns home-invasion thriller Levin fills Static with a variety of jumps and scares, avoiding the clichés traditionally found in these features.


Static's narrative is also filled with little titbits that allude to the film's twist ending - such as the couple finding security equipment in their home. These suggestions keep Static refreshing and unexpected, separating it from run-of-the-mill home invasion horrors. This is also helped by some terrific performances from the likes of Milo Ventimiglia, who is a captivating lead, conveying a convincing sense of emotion within the character and never resorting to overplaying things. Shahi is an equally powerful screen presence, whilst Paxton is a perfect addition to the mumblecore style of Static.

Static is an intelligent and well-crafted horror. It's quiet atmosphere and masterful tension, alongside some stellar performances ensure that it is one of the strongest horrors of the year.

★★★★

Andrew McArthur

9 May 2013

Watch UK trailer For Indie Horror Static

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Milo Ventimiglia and Sara Paxton star in the critically acclaimed creepy horror Static which makes its debut on DVD thanks to Second Sight Films.

A young writer (Ventimiglia – Heroes, Rocky Balboa) and his wife (Sarah Shahi – Life) are struggling with the loss of their child but just as they are trying to get their lives back on track a hysterical young woman (Paxton – The Innkeepers, Last House on the Left), turns up at their secluded house in the middle of the night, claiming she is being chased by mysterious masked men. Letting her stay the night the couple are soon drawn into the horror when the unknown force starts to stalk them, a terrifying game of cat and mouse ensues, resulting in a shocking conclusion and one of the most chilling film finales of recent years.

Second Sight Films have sent us the UK trailer check it out



Static is written and directed by Todd Levin a music director making his feature film debut and will be premiering in the UK on DVD on 15 July 2013. No word on USA date however Cinedigm are confirmed they have the North American rights to the film, so an announcement on the date will be soon. We will be reviewing the film so stay tuned nearer the time to read that review

Pre-order/Buy:Static On DVD