Witnessing one man’s isolated journey into madness. The Unkindness of Ravens is an intelligent cinematic perspective of the horrifying stages of grief.

From time to time it’s exciting to revisit horror films created from successful Kickstarter campaigns. THE UNKINDNESS OF RAVENS consistently has been grabbing my curiosity beneath my stacks of movies. Today, I peeled off the plastic.

From the very start, we establish that our protagonist Andrew, a war veteran suffering from PTSD, seeks refuge in an isolated cabin. The backdrop is a bleak terrain of mossy turf and stone. Thick fog interferes with any hope of sunlight. Due to the monstrous acts of violence this man has witnessed, a psychological warfare ensues. One riddled with guts, gore and guilt.

THE UNKINDNESS OF RAVENS has elements reminiscent of Carpenters’ IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS meets Hitchcock with British persuasion. Few films can draw an audience in and sustain them when the character battles themselves. Just when I thought I was prepping for loss of attention, it pulled me back in. When a film can do that, it deserves recognition. Director, Lawrie Brewster did not rush this. It was given an organic steady pace showcasing how terrifying turmoil, that is not rushed, can truly be. Nightmares can take time in building their venom but when it hits, it provokes on a substantial level of unadulterated fear. Brewster made that happen.

If you are looking for a senseless slasher, this is not the film for you. If you are seeking horror via commitment and thought, you will appreciate this film. THE UNKINDNESS OF RAVENS will test you as a viewer. Are you willing to see where this goes? Are you willing to not just watch a movie but also commit to its journey?

I was lucky enough to have been given the break from “expected” jump scares to this committed vow of an emotional terror trip. If you are seeking a film to stimulate thought and discussion, then this is mandatory viewing.

Very eager to hear your thoughts on this film! Let us know.

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