Movie spotlight
Where Evil Dwells
Loosely based on an infamous 1984 Long Island murder case involving Satan-worshiping, teenage drug freaks (Knights of the Black Circle), David Wojnarowicz and Tommy Turner’s Where Evil Dwells is a low-budget D.I.Y. movie that walks the jagged lines between splatter flick, experimental film and transgressive art. The original footage was destroyed in a fire and the only footage that survived is this 28 minute preview that was put together for the Downtown New York Film Festival in 1985.
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Plot Summary
In a remote Canadian town, a series of bizarre and violent deaths plague the inhabitants, all seemingly linked to an ancient curse. A skeptical detective arrives to investigate, only to find himself entangled in a supernatural mystery far beyond his comprehension. As the body count rises, he must uncover the town's dark secrets before he too becomes a victim of the malevolent force that dwells there.
Critical Reception
Where Evil Dwells is a lesser-known Canadian horror film that garnered a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics praised its atmospheric tension and unsettling premise, others found its execution to be uneven and its plot occasionally convoluted. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its gritty, low-budget horror elements and others dismissing it as derivative.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its eerie atmosphere and unsettling sense of dread.
Criticized for a slow pace and predictable plot points.
Appreciated for its attempt at a more cerebral horror approach within a limited budget.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their sentiments is not readily available for this title.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in and around the small town of Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada, with many local residents appearing as extras.
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