It wasn't bad....Great concept, after I read there real life family members father mother and daughter it made it more interesting!!!
The spooky story of a mother's headache in finding her daughter made it a true to heart experience being a mother myself.
64 Reviews
Gothic Fiction, you posted the EXACT SAME REVIEW FOR ANOTHER MOVIE I WATCHED RECENTLY...
chrisgilmer10 November 2020
At least show some original thought.
As for the movie: good plot, good acting, great cinematography, all on a low budget.
It's not a barn-burner and don't expect it to jump-scare you. It is horror I suppose, but it could also be considered psychological thriller.
All in all, a very watchable movie.
good indie movie
surfisfun26 February 2022
A beautifully filmed and consistently entrancing microbudget ghost story
nehpetstephen8 June 2020
I don't know much about the background of this movie, but I know it was made on location by an actual family, probably with a budget of next to nothing. In spite of that, this movie is gorgeously lensed. The supernatural sequences have the twisty, extradimensional, mechanical cadaver feel of Tarsem or of a late 90s Marilyn Manson video, and the disorienting special effects are done with a sleight-of-hand (digital or practical, I'm not sure) that's seamless and very impressive. The non-supernatural sequences are likewise artfully crafted, with the camera often functioning as a ghostly voyeur. The setting is immersive, with richly contrasted color. There's a crisp, almost monochrome color palette of white snow against black night, with a touch of resonant blue and a splash of red thrown in for good measure. The cinematography here is not to be missed.
The acting is fine, and the characterization is well-developed. Toby Poser as the grieving mother is especially good, effectively conveying a realistically complex and moving portrait of someone's who's simultaneously certain of her pessimistic convictions yet desperately hopeful that she will be proven wrong. The film also subtly portrays her grappling with her own disillusionment and cynicism, regretting the ways in which she has turned her gifts into a selfish, hollow racket. A scene in which she communicates with a double of herself is perhaps the high point of the film.
Unfortunately, this theme is only vaguely fleshed out, given some additional background by a former protege who has the artistic misfortune of being portrayed by a stereotypical magical negro, all gleaming teeth and sinister laughter. The borderline offensive tropiness here is the only deliberate wrong step the film takes, but the story as a whole could have also been a little more "deeply" developed.
Overall, this a very solid, engaging horror film with stylistic flair that's all the more impressive given the tiny budget. The movie never overstays its welcome, and horror aficionados will find it well worth their time.
The acting is fine, and the characterization is well-developed. Toby Poser as the grieving mother is especially good, effectively conveying a realistically complex and moving portrait of someone's who's simultaneously certain of her pessimistic convictions yet desperately hopeful that she will be proven wrong. The film also subtly portrays her grappling with her own disillusionment and cynicism, regretting the ways in which she has turned her gifts into a selfish, hollow racket. A scene in which she communicates with a double of herself is perhaps the high point of the film.
Unfortunately, this theme is only vaguely fleshed out, given some additional background by a former protege who has the artistic misfortune of being portrayed by a stereotypical magical negro, all gleaming teeth and sinister laughter. The borderline offensive tropiness here is the only deliberate wrong step the film takes, but the story as a whole could have also been a little more "deeply" developed.
Overall, this a very solid, engaging horror film with stylistic flair that's all the more impressive given the tiny budget. The movie never overstays its welcome, and horror aficionados will find it well worth their time.
Good movie. Horrible ending.
vsdcolor24 July 2022
A very solid movie made on a shoestring.
s-stetsko5 July 2020
I am not an Indie fan... really. All too often just being amateur and low budget is used to give a movie a pass, and I don't agree with that logic. All too often being Indie just means bad and getting praised despite it, but every so often... well, when you have talent, and vision, you can make a good (or even great) movie on a shoestring.
I am also not generous with praise, so when I give this movie a 7 that is high praise in my books... especially considering the budget and limited experience involved. The Deeper You Dig isn't perfect, but it is solid. Solid (and at times even elevated) acting, effective and quite professional cinematography, editing, and directing, effective score and professional sound, and a genuine script that has vision and is believably compelling. The works.
That said, I will not guarantee it will be a movie for every person. It has a supernatural element that I found welcome but which was handled a bit crudely, and this alone will likely put some people off. It was in fact the reason I didn't give the movie an 8... and I even considered giving it a 6 (which is still a good movie in my judgement). Also, it really is more of a drama about loss and mourning, guilt, will, love, faith, and other elements, than it is a horror, so people who tune in to see explicit horror will likely find it unfulfilling. But IF you want a well made dramatic horror which is both sincere and has heart, AND is competently crafted on a budget, then I strongly recommend The Deeper You Dig.
I am also not generous with praise, so when I give this movie a 7 that is high praise in my books... especially considering the budget and limited experience involved. The Deeper You Dig isn't perfect, but it is solid. Solid (and at times even elevated) acting, effective and quite professional cinematography, editing, and directing, effective score and professional sound, and a genuine script that has vision and is believably compelling. The works.
That said, I will not guarantee it will be a movie for every person. It has a supernatural element that I found welcome but which was handled a bit crudely, and this alone will likely put some people off. It was in fact the reason I didn't give the movie an 8... and I even considered giving it a 6 (which is still a good movie in my judgement). Also, it really is more of a drama about loss and mourning, guilt, will, love, faith, and other elements, than it is a horror, so people who tune in to see explicit horror will likely find it unfulfilling. But IF you want a well made dramatic horror which is both sincere and has heart, AND is competently crafted on a budget, then I strongly recommend The Deeper You Dig.
Trying so hard to be 'weird' that it just fell flat
gunn-wrights22 December 2021
This film just drug on and on, with no real excitement, anticipation, nor action. I fell asleep watching it - then woke up to finish where I left off..... MISTAKE! I just wasted another hour of my life. Thankfully, I'm an insomniac!
As if the movie wasn't crappy enough.... there was this AWFUL music playing in the background, making every scene so hard to hear over this high pitched ringing (I wear headphones whenever I'm watching a movie). I literally had a headache by the end listening to this.
RECOMMENDATION: Avoid at all cost. Movie is so old the pic is awful and the music will drive you insane- I'd rather bathe with my Mother than watch this!!! OMG!!
As if the movie wasn't crappy enough.... there was this AWFUL music playing in the background, making every scene so hard to hear over this high pitched ringing (I wear headphones whenever I'm watching a movie). I literally had a headache by the end listening to this.
RECOMMENDATION: Avoid at all cost. Movie is so old the pic is awful and the music will drive you insane- I'd rather bathe with my Mother than watch this!!! OMG!!
Well Done Art Piece
payasoingenioso23 January 2021
Don't trust no human that doesn't wash their hands after using the restroom.
The film is an art piece, and that's not my preference. That said, the story is interesting. The acting is great. And the execution is solid.
The film is an art piece, and that's not my preference. That said, the story is interesting. The acting is great. And the execution is solid.
Not good at all
AMZCali19 June 2021
I went into this film hoping that at least some of the reviews were real. When it comes to low budget films, you can often tell whether or not the reviews are legit based on whether or not the review contains things such as "very good for a film made on next to no budget" or when the review mentions how well the director and writer did along with a 9 or 10 rating.
I did not enjoy this film. I hardly got through the entire film. The acting and script were horrible. I can see what they were going for but the end result is a film worth skipping.
I did not enjoy this film. I hardly got through the entire film. The acting and script were horrible. I can see what they were going for but the end result is a film worth skipping.
Dont get the haters, excellent horror/mystery thriller!!
joiningjt27 November 2020
Decent acting come on it's a low budget horror movie it's not Shakespeare!! The acting was sufficient the story was excellent and it had some gore and some mystery. I liked it and will watch it again, I was especially impressed when I read it's written, directed, starred and even filmed by the same people, that's talent my friends!!!
Excellent thriller/horror with a whole new style.
Boristhemoggy12 June 2020
You get sick of the same old pap from Hollywood with no new ideas or style. Then along comes this little film from a 3 person family who blow Hollywood out of the water.
Now I'm going to be realistic and say while the dialogue was fantastic, the editing needs a wee bit work as a few places I felt the pace started to drag. It didn't ruin the film but was noticeable.
The acting was as good as you'd want without being oscar worthy, and the score was nothing short of excellent.
The filming, you'd think it had been done by a Hollywood heavyweight.
Aside from all this...the story was immersive and engaging. I really enjoyed this I hope they make another one.
Slow
ropelawshiel1 May 2021
A half-hour short story would be ok, an hour and a half, no. Very slow, all rather pointless; why do I keep watching things like this? In the hope to find a diamond in the rough, I must stop wasting my time. Another reviewer likened the film to Winter Bone; the only resemblance to Winter Bone is the appearance of snow.
Not bad acting, but so many better ghost /horror films to watch.
Not bad acting, but so many better ghost /horror films to watch.
Amazingly well crafted for such a low-budget Indie film. There is a LOT of talent behind these people...
lathe-of-heaven28 February 2022
Basically that... Extremely well made. Very moody, atmospheric and quite effective. REALLY loved the soundtrack which I feel made all the difference. Scenes that could have looked really mundane literally came to life with the amazingly powerful, sometimes subtle, and always very unusual soundtrack.
The cinematography was beautiful. I'm guessing this was shot somewhere in Upstate New York (license plates) Stunning outdoor shots. Really dug the total David Lynch moments, which were few but I felt extremely effective. I could see David Lynch having to change his pants after seeing this 😊
Considering the principles are all in one family, the acting is quite good throughout. In my lowly and wretched opinion it is THE STYLE that makes this film really work. In other hands and without the unique soundtrack, many of these scenes would just seem mundane, but not the way these filmmakers do it, not at all.
This is a very moody and pondering film. It has a very heavy and real sense of dread and suspense in every frame. There are just a couple of very dry, almost throwaway lines that are actually funny. But, overall this movie is indeed as serious as a heart attack. Yes, it is somewhat 'Arty' (thus the strong David Lynch references) but, these people have REAL talent for making Horror movies, let me tell you. Please don't go by some of the 3 or 4 line tossed off 'Reviews' panning this film. But, I would say that if you are expecting more of a straight forward, obvious horror movie, this isn't really it. This takes you really getting drawn into the story and its weird but very effective turns.
After seeing this one, I'm really looking forward to seeing their next one, "HELLBENDER" I would say that if you appreciate a slow-burn, but deeply atmospheric Horror movie that has some nice abstract elements, and you don't mind the somewhat slower pace, you should really enjoy what I genuinely feel is an extremely well crafted film.
The cinematography was beautiful. I'm guessing this was shot somewhere in Upstate New York (license plates) Stunning outdoor shots. Really dug the total David Lynch moments, which were few but I felt extremely effective. I could see David Lynch having to change his pants after seeing this 😊
Considering the principles are all in one family, the acting is quite good throughout. In my lowly and wretched opinion it is THE STYLE that makes this film really work. In other hands and without the unique soundtrack, many of these scenes would just seem mundane, but not the way these filmmakers do it, not at all.
This is a very moody and pondering film. It has a very heavy and real sense of dread and suspense in every frame. There are just a couple of very dry, almost throwaway lines that are actually funny. But, overall this movie is indeed as serious as a heart attack. Yes, it is somewhat 'Arty' (thus the strong David Lynch references) but, these people have REAL talent for making Horror movies, let me tell you. Please don't go by some of the 3 or 4 line tossed off 'Reviews' panning this film. But, I would say that if you are expecting more of a straight forward, obvious horror movie, this isn't really it. This takes you really getting drawn into the story and its weird but very effective turns.
After seeing this one, I'm really looking forward to seeing their next one, "HELLBENDER" I would say that if you appreciate a slow-burn, but deeply atmospheric Horror movie that has some nice abstract elements, and you don't mind the somewhat slower pace, you should really enjoy what I genuinely feel is an extremely well crafted film.
Too bad it didn't go all the way...
pedronunesnomundo18 September 2021
This is a solid humble movie with a matching budget.
I think its anchor is really the acting of the main two characters. The movie's originality is nothing much of a blast and its the progression is only decent. And this is clearly the case where the supernatural angle should have been deeply explored (pun intended); and because it was not there is a a certain feeling of something that was left missing...
Watch it. Keep a vague image of it. Pass to the next one.
I think its anchor is really the acting of the main two characters. The movie's originality is nothing much of a blast and its the progression is only decent. And this is clearly the case where the supernatural angle should have been deeply explored (pun intended); and because it was not there is a a certain feeling of something that was left missing...
Watch it. Keep a vague image of it. Pass to the next one.
Another indie labor of love from the Adams Family.
Otkon30 March 2022
I do like that they try to make thoughtful movies with just enough mystique to engage the viewers.
The story here seems like Toby and John brainstorm about what they would go through if they lost one of their daughters. The grief and guilt that those involved would go through.
It has a definite Telltale Heart vibe. With some Henry James.
I do enjoy the Seven Circles stuff. They always are adding new supernatural lore to their films.
I liked it.
The story here seems like Toby and John brainstorm about what they would go through if they lost one of their daughters. The grief and guilt that those involved would go through.
It has a definite Telltale Heart vibe. With some Henry James.
I do enjoy the Seven Circles stuff. They always are adding new supernatural lore to their films.
I liked it.
There's So Much Blood.....
wandernn1-81-68327416 November 2021
Okay I thought this movie was okay. A dude kills this girl and keeps being revisited by her spirit. It's actually entertaining for a small budget movie. It could have been better, but it could have been far far worse. 6/10.
Some notes on stupid parts, In the beginning he thinks she is dead, but he carefully sets her in the bathtub rather than just throwing her body in there. Dumb.
Some notes on stupid parts, In the beginning he thinks she is dead, but he carefully sets her in the bathtub rather than just throwing her body in there. Dumb.
Starts off great...
gotoads15 February 2021
In my humble opinion, the first half of the film was very enjoyable. But it disappoints as it comes in for a very bumpy landing. I'll give the first half an 8 and the second half a 2. And that averages out to a 5, if my math is correct.
Mysterious
kosmasp23 October 2019
Family business - I watched this at a screening at Frightfest and the three main characters involved in this were attending. They are also a family and they really have a knack for making movies. It's father, mother and daughter and the movie might strain their relationship, but it doesn't show in life, they really were cheerful and joyful.
The movie is the opposite and is quite dark. It is also very low budget, so you have to wrap your head around that. If you can, there is an underground/B-movie to discover here, with quite the supernatural touch attached to it ... Slow burning and really well made
The movie is the opposite and is quite dark. It is also very low budget, so you have to wrap your head around that. If you can, there is an underground/B-movie to discover here, with quite the supernatural touch attached to it ... Slow burning and really well made
Torn but entertained
Howling_at_the_Moon_Reviews28 December 2021
I was torn when it came to this movie. Overall I definitely liked it. It was a slow burn full of atmospheric symbolism that was weird and unusual while keeping an air of not taking itself too seriously. It felt like it could have easily been on the verge of pretension but never went there which I appreciated. The acting was good and I absolutely loved when I found out it was a family affair. So cool and so fun. It also makes sense, I could tell watching the movie that these actors had worked closely together before.
I guess my biggest issue with it was I felt the pacing could have been picked up just a tad and I also don't feel like much really ended up happening. The ending fell a bit flat for me. However, with that being said I really did enjoy this movie and would probably watch it again. Regardless of the critique, as an actor these are the types of indi films I look to be apart of. Would recommend.
I guess my biggest issue with it was I felt the pacing could have been picked up just a tad and I also don't feel like much really ended up happening. The ending fell a bit flat for me. However, with that being said I really did enjoy this movie and would probably watch it again. Regardless of the critique, as an actor these are the types of indi films I look to be apart of. Would recommend.
Fast, Slow, Confusing
sugarbearlovesgeorge28 February 2021
It starts off fast, you get right into the story. Then, they go slow for a while in the movie. Next, it gets down right confusing. If you don't understand the occult at all..you will be totally lost. I can say overall I did like it and recommend you watch it at least once.
Nicely done family jewel
mangoamante20 March 2022
I think this isn't a high budget film but for what it is, it's really good. It's like a family got bored during lockdown and made this little psychological horror gem. Not super scary, more like messes with your mind. But it's clever and there's a bit of gore thrown in, but not just for gore's sake. Nicely done.
Loved it
fsuelwood31 October 2021
The shooting of the film was done in an incredibly immersive point of view, especially for a low budget movie. The scenery and the house felt like extra characters. At some points the CGI was a little hokey but at other points the did exception. I turned it on one night when I couldn't sleep but ended up being thoroughly pleased with the film and stayed up to finish it. Highly recommend.
Took me 5 nights to finish it.
Patient44416 June 2020
Now I know, it does sound extremely bad, not so much for the movie but for me, acting like a really old man, blaming work, stress and so on.
But I am telling you, as much as I'm used to keep an eye on the indie section/ low budget horrors, The Deeper You Dig was my Achilles' heel, and it got me every single time. I am quite happy that there were people that managed to appreciate it, to enjoy such a production, but for me it was a journey where boredom and irritation blended beautifully in some good nights rest. Overall, some good came out of it, I also managed to finish it at some point, did not forget any scenes, the plot was there with me from start to finish, yet this kind of movie is simply not my coup of tea. Artsy fartsy perhaps, I can't tell exactly what it wanted to be, horror, drama, psychological, I just know I don't enjoy such experiences.
So strictly from a horror fan point of view The Deeper You Dig, the harder you will fall asleep - this I can guarantee. I don't wanna go much deeper into it because I see it found some appreciation, so perhaps there is more than meets the eyes for some. Don't wanna spoil it for those people, just bare in mind, it is an extremely slow burner which I do think took forever to end the story.
Cheers!
But I am telling you, as much as I'm used to keep an eye on the indie section/ low budget horrors, The Deeper You Dig was my Achilles' heel, and it got me every single time. I am quite happy that there were people that managed to appreciate it, to enjoy such a production, but for me it was a journey where boredom and irritation blended beautifully in some good nights rest. Overall, some good came out of it, I also managed to finish it at some point, did not forget any scenes, the plot was there with me from start to finish, yet this kind of movie is simply not my coup of tea. Artsy fartsy perhaps, I can't tell exactly what it wanted to be, horror, drama, psychological, I just know I don't enjoy such experiences.
So strictly from a horror fan point of view The Deeper You Dig, the harder you will fall asleep - this I can guarantee. I don't wanna go much deeper into it because I see it found some appreciation, so perhaps there is more than meets the eyes for some. Don't wanna spoil it for those people, just bare in mind, it is an extremely slow burner which I do think took forever to end the story.
Cheers!
Minimalist, phantasmal and contains motifs form Kubrick and Lovecraft.
Clearbay_32714 June 2020
An unnamed psychic who lost her gift years earlier is now a charlatan living in rural New York and giving fake Tarot card readings and performing fake seances. She and her 14-year-old goth daughter Echo have a unique and very close relationship, more like friends than mother-daughter. Mother's life is turned upside down when Echo is killed in a tragic drink-driving accident involving a neighbor named Kurt, who then proceeds to cover his crime (the title of the film is from the fact that Kurt has to keep burying the body deeper and deeper). As Mother begins to slowly gain her psychic powers back through a mystical artifact, Echo begins first haunting Kurt and then slowly possessing Kurt. This is the backdrop for the film.
The Deeper You Dig is shot in minimalistic fashion and pays homage to both The Shining and Phantasm and contains familiar themes from several H.P. Lovecraft stories. The eerie setting, the snow, the sense of loneliness creates a sense of dread. This film contains nightmarish phantasmal scenes that depict the dark and unknown side of the afterlife, or the cosmos (if interpreting as a Lovecraft devotee). The antagonist is slowly driven mad, a theme directly from Lovecraft's stories. This all combined is how one can see the influence of Kubrick, Lovecraft, and the creator of Phantasm. The Deeper You Dig is a limited jump scare movie. In fact there are not even lots of traditional scares. Instead, it is a slow-burning, psychological piece with a gory and violent climax and twist at the end.
It's good points far outweigh its flaws... which mainly are that this movie is low budget and has a "film-student vibe". I did not let that stand in my way bur decided to just sit back, suspend reality and just drink it in. For me, the Deeper You Dig a very worthwhile film for a discerning horror fan. Not one that will be burned into my memory but one that was worth the time and effort.
The Deeper You Dig is shot in minimalistic fashion and pays homage to both The Shining and Phantasm and contains familiar themes from several H.P. Lovecraft stories. The eerie setting, the snow, the sense of loneliness creates a sense of dread. This film contains nightmarish phantasmal scenes that depict the dark and unknown side of the afterlife, or the cosmos (if interpreting as a Lovecraft devotee). The antagonist is slowly driven mad, a theme directly from Lovecraft's stories. This all combined is how one can see the influence of Kubrick, Lovecraft, and the creator of Phantasm. The Deeper You Dig is a limited jump scare movie. In fact there are not even lots of traditional scares. Instead, it is a slow-burning, psychological piece with a gory and violent climax and twist at the end.
It's good points far outweigh its flaws... which mainly are that this movie is low budget and has a "film-student vibe". I did not let that stand in my way bur decided to just sit back, suspend reality and just drink it in. For me, the Deeper You Dig a very worthwhile film for a discerning horror fan. Not one that will be burned into my memory but one that was worth the time and effort.
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