Director(s) – John Adams (The Shoot, Halfway to Zen) and Toby Poser (Rumblestrips, Knuckle Jack)
Starring – John Adams, Toby Poser, and Zelda Adams (The Hatred, The Ascent)
Release Date – 2019
Rating – 3/5
I spent almost 3 weeks watching movies associated with Friday the 13th in one form or another. I started out digging into several fan films before making the move to the pornographic side of the franchise with two films sharing the same title and another being a parody of the slasher series. Once I was through those it was time to take a stab at the box set that was recently released from Scream Factory.
Once I finished with the set I needed a much needed break away from anything hockey mask affiliated. I decided that this was the perfect time to dig into 2019’s The Deeper You Dig that was sent my way from Arrow Video and MVD. I was really curious about this one and I’m glad they hooked me up with a review copy. Thanks guys!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a man who has purchased an abandoned house in the country with hopes of restoring it to flip for profit. However, one night he had a few drinks and accidentally hits a teenage girl with his vehicle. He takes her body back to his place but she awakens. Shocked and panicked, he kills her and tries to dispose of the body. He is unable to forget about the events of that night and over time he starts seeing her. Before long she starts controlling him. While this is going on her mother is frantically searching for her and suspects he has something to do with her disappearance. Soon the two are spending time together and the mother notices odd things about him that were common traits of her daughter. That’s when she realizes he is responsible for her disappearance and she is trying to communicate from the otherside. **Spoiler Alert**
The Deeper You Dig is not a straight in your face style horror film. In fact, the film flows like a dark drama that ends on a horror note. I enjoyed it and how it went a different path than most films would go. However, there was things about it I didn’t necessarily care for. The films attempt at breaking up the scene with arthouse inspired scenery and melodramatic moments really distracts the viewer from the film itself. The shots are beautiful but these scenes are out of place.
The acting in this one is absolutely great. Directors turned stars John Adams and Toby Poser are absolutely amazing together on screen. Their characters play off of each other so well and their on screen chemistry is phenomenal. It only makes sense that these two co-directed the film. I would say that is why their performances were so perfect because they knew exactly what they were looking for in the roles. The supporting cast is solid as well but they don’t carry the scene like these two do.
The story for this one unfolds like a dark drama about a man who did something unthinkable and is forced to live with his decisions while a woman spends all her time searching for her beloved daughter. A little supernatural element pops up here and there but nothing that truly stands out. With that being said, the ending takes a violent and bloody turn which really hits hard. Its a rather quick scene but the payoff was well worth it. My only complaint about the story is the random artsy inserts that really breaks the tone and atmosphere of the film up.
Finally, this film is fairly bland until the final scene then we get some blood and plenty of practical effects. There is two death scenes with one taking place off screen and the second being the highlight of the film. This is not one that stacks up the body count. Overall, The Deeper You Dig will not be for everyone. Fans of traditional horror will find this one lacking but if you are looking for a beautifully shot dark drama with some blood on top then this one may be for you. Check it out.
