REVIEW - Offseason (2021)

Offseason is the latest "exclusive" offering from horror streaming service Shudder. Written and directed by Mickey Keating (Carnage Park, Psychopaths) we delve deep into the unknown as we accompany Marie (played by Joceline Donahue - Doctor Sleep, The House of the Devil) and her ex-boyfriend George (played by Joe Swanberg - You're Next, The Rental) reluctantly making the trip to Marie's late mother's hometown Lone Palm Beach; a sleepy, isolated island town with a sinister secret.

As soon as Marie and George cross the solitary drawbridge onto Lone Palm Beach Island we get the impression that they sealing their fate. Seeking guidance from unhelpful locals to find the cemetery caretaker, Marie and George have a series of ominous encounters leading them to the conclusion that they should leave the island immediately - of course, no one is leaving this island.

Marie finally lets us and poor ex-boyfriend, George, in on what may be causing these spooky vibes. Her mother, Ava, is suffering from dementia and in her last days tells Marie in a moment of clarity that the inhabitants had made a deal with a "man from the sea" to keep the island going during the off-season. In exchange for tourists and a bountiful summer, sacrifices would have to be made. In a feverish panic, Ava makes Marie promise to never bury her on that island - she never ever wants to go back. With this image burnt into her memory, Marie begins to wonder if there is some truth to her mother's mad ramblings.

Offseason is a slow-burn, filled with beautiful and terrifying visuals. Keating's stormy atmosphere immediately traps you, long before you realise there is no escape. This moody offering, while lacking in narrative clarity, hits all the right places for a horror fan. The rundown beach pub (complete with old-timey piano playing) to the lone florist shop all add to the ever-present feeling of doom. The casting of classic character actors like Richard Brake (31, Hannibal Rising) and Melora Walters (Magnolia, Boogie Nights) is underutilised, employing them more for their look than their actual acting abilities.

I can see Offseason becoming a dividing movie amongst the horror community. You will either love it or hate it. Offseason is spooky, entertaining and visually stunning. However, the foreseeable fate of Marie and George may have others rolling their eyes. The only advice I can give is to go into it relaxed and let the landscape wash over you - don't overthink it and you will

Offseason is now streaming on Shudder.