TERROR FILMS' "INVITED" Vows To Deliver An Unholy Matrimony!
Cult-centric horror films tap into our human fallacies of groupthink, blind devotion, and the unknown torture that falls on the lap of anyone who joins. Their eerie rituals, mysterious ways of life, and charismatic yet sinister leaders create an atmosphere of unwavering devotion. Cults have been said to often operate in the shadows, hidden from normal society, amplifying their mystique and making them even come off more menacing. The sense of being held invisibly captive by a group with sinister intentions adds an extra layer of psychological horror to the movies we watch. We sit on the edge of our seats watching as our protagonists struggle to escape the clutches of a cult while navigating a world where reality itself seems distorted.
Macabre Daily accepted a Zoom call invite into the cult-driven terror-inducing experience, Invited by Terror Films Releasing. This movie stars Martina Schabron, Elena Zavet, Michael Lake, Mandy Magnan, Angela Martin, Andrew Bee, Sean Irvine, Alex Di Brita, Be’ata Imre, Kris Langille, and Helena Ciuciura. The movie was written by Monica La Vella and directed by Navin Ramaswaran. The synopsis for this movie is as follows:
“When a reluctant mother attends her daughter’s Zoom elopement, she and the rest of the family in attendance quickly realize the groom is part of a Russian cult with deadly intentions.”
Let’s cut to the chase; “Invited” is downright terrifying. It masterfully incorporates elements of real-world fears with the impact of the movie’s sadistic premise. The film centers on a quick elopement with an unknown groom and the despair of a family watching helplessly as their loved one takes gruesome vows via a cult. The movie's unique approach unfolds entirely on a computer screen via a Zoom call, blending a fresh narrative style with the familiar trope of family drama at a wedding. The story is told from the perspective of the bride-to-be Jessica’s mother, Linda (portrayed by Martina Schabron), a former alcoholic haunted by her past, constantly reminded by her father William (portrayed by Andrew Bee), and ex-husband James (portrayed by Sean Irvine).
The movie starts slowly, focusing on the constant bickering between Linda and her family. Linda also tries to learn more about her daughter’s new groom, Adrik (portrayed by Michael Lake), from Maddy (portrayed by Mandy Magnan). It gracefully mimics the drama, fake smiles, and forced joy typical of family weddings, thanks to the outstanding performances by the cast acting convincingly against a computer screen. The actors skillfully convey emotions and deliver dialogue with remarkable focus, even in the constrained setting of a Zoom call. As the horror intensifies, they effectively heighten the tension, capturing the audience’s shock as the gruesome rituals of the cult wedding unfold. Director Navin Ramaswaran recently shared his thoughts on making the film when doing press:
“The structure of this movie’s screenplay called for shooting in longer takes, as long as 30 scenes sometimes. Watching our actors go through a roller coaster of emotions uninterrupted was fascinating to experience, and that energy comes through in a really fascinating way.”
The gore in this movie is incredibly intense during the ritual scenes. Practical effects deliver convincing, shocking moments that will leave your mouth hanging open in terror. Actress Be’ata Imre showcases her range, transitioning from pain and shock to insane acceptance of the cult’s vicious logic during the climactic third act. The realistic portrayal of emotions amidst the gore enhances the film’s impact in a way you won’t expect.
This movie is a disturbing, tragic, and eye-opening experience that will leave you shaken long after the credits roll. The realistic photos of people within the cult shown during the end credits add a chilling sense of authenticity, making the horror feel all too real. The Russian cult in this movie employs extremely morbid methods to prove their worth to God, engaging in grotesque body modifications and embracing bizarre beliefs. They undergo painful rituals, including mutilation and surgical alterations to show their devotion. Their belief in these practices purifies them to be accepted into the cult for their crusade to be accepted by God. Their ideology feels that suffering and physical transformation are necessary sacrifices for spiritual enlightenment which leads to disturbing scenes that create an atmosphere of relentless horror.
It will leave you wanting to know more about how it ends ambiguously (no spoilers). It will leave you wondering who else has suffered the fate of this cult and if this isn’t the real end of the story. A great horror movie leaves you wanting more, and this does so with the incredible way it keeps you on the edge of your seat with its entertaining story. The gore in this movie makes you want to look away with fear, but at the same time stay glued to your screen so you won’t miss a moment. This is especially true when the rituals start in the 2nd act when the vows start to be exchanged. It will grip you with its gripping story of a family in peril, a daughter mixed up with the wrong crowd, and alarming amounts of potential death from every character.
TFR will premiere the film on their YouTube Terror Channel on May 31st, including a live chat with the filmmaker. The film will then roll out across multiple platforms including Amazon, Tubi TV, PlayNow Media, UDU TV, Kings of Horror, and many more on June 21st. Stay tuned for more horror news and reviews here at Macabre Daily!
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