Evil Lurks (2023) User Reviews

My review of EVIL LURKS by filmmaker Aaron Hawkins.

[delmartin-88974 · 6/10 · 15 February 2024]

This 1 hour and 44-minute supernatural horror film was a trip! It has a crazy hypnotherapist who is helping Kimberly, a troubled and haunted woman, overcome her past traumas. If you want to watch something different, ominous, dark and demonic; then this is the film for you! The characters are terrifying, well thought out, and they play their roles well. We find ourselves invested in the main character Kimberly. She has a daughter Erica, who was conceived after a brutal attack. Said girl is adopted by a family, Shawn and Tiffany. James, who plays an important role in the film, is the lead detective, after Harold the crazy hypnotists is murdered. There are a bunch of twists and turns as this movie progresses. The plot turns really enhance the film. I like the use of colour that helps to set the scene and push the narrative and storyline along, in a really interesting way. There are flashback scenes, visions, people lost in their trance like states. The colour red is a motif throughout the film. It also indicates when someone is in a trance. The sound effects and soundtrack music is top notch, and some of it was composed by Chris Shern, who is also one of the writers and main actors in the film, where he plays Harold. I really enjoyed the music as it overlaps the scenes in a very interesting way. They helped to enhance the scenes. The cinematography is great, as there are very intimate close-up shots, that explore emotion on their faces. There are some great horror scenes. The surrealism of this film is intense and captivating. There is a good amount of tension and suspense splattered throughout the film to keep you guessing what is going to happen. The blood moon is an interesting plot, as we see how this comes to mean something intriguing to the film, adding depth and layering to the storyline and the overall plot. The ending is maddening and not at all what I expected to happen! I really enjoy a good film with a few twists. Leaving us to ponder the outcome and it really shows the deplorable human condition at its very worse.

I would recommend this to any horror arthouse fans, and any filmmakers out there who want to see an exploration into the independent filmmaking sphere. This is a good one to add to the collection of horror movies.

Unique intergenerational Indie Horror

[jcairns-468-29228 · 7/10 · 2 April 2024]

Really enjoyed this indie film that's so full of passionate spirit in a great way! Epic and compelling storyline that went across three generations of a bloodline afflicted by a terrifying and mysterious entity. Great use of creepy effects. Really great casting for the film and most of the performances were above par of what you'd see in many indie films. I liked that that actors were cast not for their pretty faces, but most were more appropriately cast for characters who had lived rough lives with lots of hardship. Really enjoyed the scenes and dialogue of the creepy neighbor - especially his final bit of dialogue.

Great independent film!!

[kanewithmask-970-14451 · 8/10 · 15 January 2023]

This film to me was top notch. What I truly love is most of not all independent films I watch take their own path. This one really messed with my mind. Great Visuals and a great story. I really do enjoy movies that mess with you mind and get ya thinking. Most of the actors did a fine job but I don't like judging actors since I'm not one and don't know what they have to go through to do what they do. The editing was great and the music really worked to set the mood. I think any fan of horror and independent films should watch this one. I don't feel anyone would be disappointed with it. Looking forward to more from the directors of this one!!!

-Grandpa the Nerd.

A fairly enjoyable if flawed indie genre effort

[kannibalcorpsegrinder · 7/10 · 21 January 2024]

After meeting a controversial hypnotherapist, a woman trying to get over a traumatic past is soon confronted with the demonic secret he carries within him and leaves her pregnant with a child that is soon targeted by the demonic being when she comes of age years later and forces her to stop him.

There was quite a lot to like here. One of the finest features here is the means through which this one attempts to exploit the rather intriguing setup that features some incredibly original concepts within the confines of the somewhat more traditional setup. The first half here detailing the series of interactions she has with the supposedly-helpful psychiatrist who's trying to help her overcome her traumatic past but become incredibly more ominous and darker the more he's around her becomes quite fun with how it all comes together with the burgeoning sense that something's wrong with him the more they're around each other. As this is all buoyed by extravagant arthouse style sequences featuring bizarre coloring and off-kilter camera-work that creates a slew of bizarre imagery, it becomes far more immersive and engaging as the storyline unfolds. The outcome of all this, from the further trauma she endures that results in pregnancy and the birth of her daughter now beginning to feel the effects of a curse landing her in the crosshairs of the being that targeted her, brings about plenty of intrigue as the pieces come together for a lot to like here. This, though, brings about the series of slight factors that hold it down. The most obvious factor here is the unnecessarily overlong running time that drags everything out far longer than needed because it all plays out at a deliberately measured pace and tempo. There's little excuse or reason why the film needs to take a half hour before it gets to her pregnancy and hospitalization in the sanitarium following the daughters' birth as this could've been trimmed down or reduced somewhat to get going quicker as that's the main focus of the film rather than the exploits of her mother that got her there. As well, the film could also do with not dwelling again on the overblown use of grief and trauma as a starting point for a film which is wholly cliche and immensely underwhelming. The inclusion features this kind of overexposure and just doesn't automatically get a pass for its use when it does nothing original with the concept that dozens of others have used since this once again goes for the problematic past angle that has nothing creative about it. These do bring this one down but not enough based on the enjoyable factors with this one.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language, a Rape, and Violence.

Fun & Entertaining

[RedQueenIMDB · 7/10 · 8 June 2023]

Not a masterpiece but reminescent of the masterpiece Beyond the Black Rainbow with very nice effects & visual quality. Also reminds me of the early 70's horror movies, which are my all-time faves, but with tons of originality.

Writing & acting overall are quite amateurish, making it a horror comedy. Not sure who was who in all the flashing forward back, if it was the same characters or multiple ones. But I loved the movie despite it being confusing, which you won't hear from me often, being an indie/arthouse afficionado.

You really can't go wrong with this watch, whether you're into horror or comedy.

Amazing movie

[redfishking-21583 · 10/10 · 23 February 2023]

Watched this movie a few nights ago with the family and instantly loved every minute of the film. The storyline and scenes were perfectly done and left us on the edge of our seats the whole time. I would highly recommend this movie to horror fans around the world. The actors in this film also did an amazing job. Hats off to Aaron and his crew for the amazing job they did putting this SOON TO BE masterpiece together. If you haven't seen this movie yet your missing out on one of the best new movies to hit the internet. Much respect to everyone involved and those that put the work into it. 1000/10 stars.

Evil Lurks is unlike anything out there!

[IanGabrielG · 10/10 · 31 May 2023]

This movie is a trip. It's got supernatural elements, hypnotism elements. It's got a little back-and-forth Pulp-Fiction/Quentin-Tarantino-style. It's definitely an arthouse film. The best way to describe it is like a David Lynch film on bath salts. It's crazy. Reminded me a bit of Mulholland Dr. I really liked what they did with the camera work and the attention to detail that they had with this project. The acting is really good, the mood is exactly what it needs to be, and the pacing is just right. You won't get bored, that's for sure. This was extremely well done. If you like art-house films this is right up your alley!

Therapy isn't for everyone

[blondietimestwo · 10/10 · 22 January 2023]

We start out in a group therapy session where everyone is entranced. Everyone Except Kemberly.

She is unable to relax thus unable to be possessed, yet..

Kimberly is haunted by grief. She seeks refugee with a hypnotherapist who promises to help her forget. However chaos ensues when the therapist is possessed by a a demonic spirit and tries to control Kimberly.

Will Kimberly repair her strained relationship with her dead beat dad, Shawn who is also a cop investigating the murders caused by victims of the hypnotist?

Watch this exciting thriller to find out. Filled with evil spirits, a cop on a mission, a family is turmoil and lots of graphic murders.

Evil is evil

[kalanipark · 9/10 · 4 February 2024]

In the beginning of the film there is a group therapy session where everyone except Kimberly is hypnotized. As this is shot in a extravagant arthouse style featuring interesting color, bizarre imagery, which leads to it becoming far more immersive and engaging as the storyline unfolds. The way it's shot really brings you into the story in a way that is very interesting. Kimberly is haunted by grief. She then finds a hypnotherapist who promises to help her forget. Watch this exciting thriller to find out. Filled with evil spirits, a cop on a mission, a family is turmoil and lots of graphic murders.

A MUST SEE

[grayjanay-60107 · 10/10 · 29 January 2023]

If you love a mixture of horror & suspense then you're in the right place! So go get your snacks ready because this movie will have you on the edge of your seat! Im usually hesitant to try new age horror films BUT I've seen 1st hand what the truly wonderful man who made this film go through to get here so I personally could not wait for it lol. Now I won't run my mouth & give ANYTHING away as MUCH as I want to (YES FOLKS IT'S REALLY THAT GOOD!) SOOOO I'll exercise some restraint 😩). So with that being said PLEASE PLEASE PUHLEASE CHECK THIS MOVIE OUT I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!! Don't wait GO WATCH!!

An original Story with a terrifying premise by a talented crew and cast

[aaronwilliamsmusic · 10/10 · 12 January 2023]

Just watched EVIL LURKS with my wife. This horror film is imaginative, well acted, great directing, and is very scary (we both were convinced and involved). The editing job done brings the terror and scare in a dazzling, creative, & masterful approach. An original story with a terrifying premise created by a talented crew and cast. Great job to Aaron Hawkins, Chris Shern, and everyone involved. We know how hard it is to bring an idea to paper then attempt to bring it to life through film. What an accomplishment- CONGRATULATIONS! We recommend all indie film, horror film, & art film lovers to give Evil Lurks a view.

Full On

[TheLiberatorOfIndeFillm · 10/10 · 18 January 2023]

Evil Lurks is a film that will have you laughing, gasping and hitting replay again and again. The mastermind behind this indie gem, Aaron Hawkins, is not only a talented filmmaker but also a snack for the eyes. He proves that independent cinema doesn't have to be boring, this film is a perfect example of that. It's a shame that some distributors passed on it, they missed out on a true masterpiece that will make you forget about all the mediocre movies out there. With a plot that will keep you guessing, a cast that will make you fall in love and a soundtrack that will make you want to dance, Evil Lurks is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good film. Don't be like those distributers, take a chance on this hidden gem and you won't regret it.

OMG

[annaruelas-46119 · 10/10 · 17 January 2023]

I've know Aaron my whole life if you wanna see a movie that makes you wonder WTF did I just watch this horror movie is for you it's suspenseful,crazy,scary,mind blowing I watched it 10 times I'm addicted lol.l kept thinking what could possibly happen next? And the opposite happens a must see.eve time I watch it something new scares me or makes my mind think what did I just watch my mind is always blow I'm a horror sci Fi movie buff and this movie takes the cake in both those area's I would definitely recommend seeing this movie you have too see it at least twice to get it I think I was totally blow away!!!!!

Evil Lurks is a mental mind trip in and out of reality!

[DelilahHefner · 10/10 · 23 July 2023]

I watched this film with my daughter in law and let me just tell you that it is a trip in and out of reality. The film takes you on a psychological journey and has you guessing what is real and what is altered reality. The cast was spectacular. The special effects are done very well and I can tell you that some of the effects leave a haunting image in one's mind. I particularly like the blurred faces and the shadow people. Those types of effects, to me, are chilling and truly disturbing. I recommend giving this film a watch, it is truly a journey in and out of reality wrapped up with a great ending.

Arthouse Horror That Is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen!

[sankovichmike · 10/10 · 21 June 2023]

Evil Lurks is a visually stunning mindjack of a film that will keep you captivated from the first frame until the very last! There were periods of time where I actually felt hypnotized watching it. The way it's shot really brings you into the story in a way that I've never experienced before. I usually avoid arthouse films because they're not necessarily my forte but this film is so much more than that, it feels equal parts artsy and horrific simultaneously. There's imagery in this film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. In fact, there were quite a few instances where I was like, "Did that really just happen?!" If you're looking for a film that blends the line between reality and imagination THIS IS IT! Make sure you stay for the credits to see something even more unique! If you're looking for something original and different in a never ending sea of sequels, remakes, requels and fan films then check this out, you won't be disappointed!!!