FILM INFO: Danielle makes a deadly discovery when she inherits a house from her grandmother. Something mysterious from the past is lurking deep within the shadows.
The classic ghost story. It's been with us since long before film, long before written records. It's probably been here since humans first began to think in any coherent way. Any why not? That hope that something awaits us after death is powerful. Faith in the afterlife is the building blocks of most everything in fiction or non-fiction. I guess what I'm trying to say is that "The October Flowers" is nothing new by way of concept. Yet the classic ghost, or afterlife scenario, is so hardwired into our minds that it doesn't even matter - that it's been done a zillion times before. We will always eat this stuff up when it's done well. We will always wonder... and the haunted house story will always be popular. So why not add your own spin? Why not tell your own story? That's just what Clay Moffatt and Aaron Saltou have done. An interesting haunted house story that will appeal to anyone who loves the slow, atmospheric burn of a ghost story told in a classic way. This isn't about the jump scare. This isn't about blood and gore. It's about a slow build using atmosphere and personality to get the job done. It's about flowers that only bloom in October, and their connection to a house not just haunted by one ghost... but by many. It's a ghost story. Plain and simple. As I watched "The October Flowers" I thought I felt the influences of more than a few films. Some straight up horror pieces, such as "13 Ghosts" and other, more classic films such as "The Changeling" or movies of that nature. I'm not comparing overall plot concepts, rather a passing feeling of familiarity or maybe a hidden nod. These feelings came and went through the various scenes and situations... but in all honesty... "The October Flowers" is a character driven story. The personality of some of these "ghosts" was brilliant. Able to lighten up a scene or "horrify" it within seconds. The sad or horrific stories of some of these trapped souls, added just enough to allow the viewer to watch and enjoy, even through the slower parts of the film. Aiyana Irwin as Danny, didn't seem to have any problems keeping us watching. Something to be proud of when you stop and consider she's pretty much in every shot. Adam Berardi, as the gentle gardener Tucker, somehow manages to really make you think he's a good guy... even when you start to suspect something is not quite right. Or, maybe it's the way he makes you think something's not quite right... with a quick glance or expression. Either way, both these characters were portrayed excellently. Nice job. I should also mention William Kenny as Oliver, and Sean Dillingham as CJ. Completely opposite and complete mood changers. Let me just write that the personalities these two bring to camera is splendid. A perfect match for their respective characters. I was a little let down by the eventual meeting between Danny and her grandmother. I was expecting so much more directly relating to the story, and continued to expect more right until the credits rolled. Something about her performance felt far and away... awkward. To be blunt, she felt so detached that I instantly thought she was a "bad" character. Something in the way she played the part made me "know" there was more to the story. At least... that's what I thought. I'm not saying I didn't like her acting... rather that it felt like her acting was leading up to something more than it actually was. I don't know. Maybe, because of the slow build up to Danny finally meeting her, I expected her to have a more crucial plot point. No big deal really... just something I was thinking over at the end of the film. Another highlight of the movie was the general musical scoring. Very atmospheric and done right. The composer seemed to nail the "less is more" concepts and really elevated this film. If I did have any complaints at all... it would be the use of the wipes when transitioning. I'm guessing it was meant to give the film a more classic feel... but for me personally? I wasn't a fan. It just so happens that "The October Flowers" was a good fit for my viewing eyes. Being a fan of the slower paced atmospheric ghost story, I felt right at home watching this. If you're into the fast paced, more brainless side of the genre, this probably won't be for you. It's not action driven and it relies on your imagination as much as the onscreen visuals. This is not a horror movie and doesn't pretend to be. Does a market exist for this type of movie? You bet it does. "The October Flowers" is a solid and well above average indie film. There is just enough to keep things interesting and at times, more than enough to get those eerie thoughts a-flowin. This is a film you "could" watch alone with the lights out, yet it's also ghostly enough to live up to the style of the movie. A winner all around and a solid three and a half stars.