Dr. Michael Coyle (a solid and credible performance by Sean Patrick Thomas) leaves the hustle and bustle of New York City by moving his practice and family to the quiet and remote country hamlet of Ashborough. However, Ashborough turns out to be run by a lethal race of ghastly underground-dwelling mutants.
Director Colin Theys relates the engrossing story at a steady pace, takes time to develop the main characters, delivers a few bits of nasty gore, and ably crafts an eerie and unsettling mood along with a strong isolated small town atmosphere. John Doolan's compelling script not only provides a starling surprise grim ending, but also offers a novel spin on the monster horror genre by making the hideous humanoid beasts sickly beings who need the protagonist's medical expertise to keep them alive. The sound acting by the capable cast rates as another substantial asset: Kristen Bush brings a winning blend of charm and spark to her role as Michael's perky wife Christine, Dean Stockwell contributes fine support as amiable old-timer Phil Deighton, and Blanch Baker does well as the sinister Zellis. The subterranean creatures are genuinely creepy. Both Matthew Lewellyn's shivery score and the sharp widescreen cinematography by Claudio Rietti and Adrian Peng Correia are up to speed. Worth a watch.
Director Colin Theys relates the engrossing story at a steady pace, takes time to develop the main characters, delivers a few bits of nasty gore, and ably crafts an eerie and unsettling mood along with a strong isolated small town atmosphere. John Doolan's compelling script not only provides a starling surprise grim ending, but also offers a novel spin on the monster horror genre by making the hideous humanoid beasts sickly beings who need the protagonist's medical expertise to keep them alive. The sound acting by the capable cast rates as another substantial asset: Kristen Bush brings a winning blend of charm and spark to her role as Michael's perky wife Christine, Dean Stockwell contributes fine support as amiable old-timer Phil Deighton, and Blanch Baker does well as the sinister Zellis. The subterranean creatures are genuinely creepy. Both Matthew Lewellyn's shivery score and the sharp widescreen cinematography by Claudio Rietti and Adrian Peng Correia are up to speed. Worth a watch.