Séance is a new gothic period psychological drama about grief, adultery, and ghosts…from writer/director Vivian Kerr (SCRAP). Kerr also stars in film alongside Scottie Thompson (Bel-Air, MacGyver), Jilon VanOver (Hatfields & McCoys, Better Call Saul) and Connor Paulo (Revenge, Gossip Girl).

Novelist Emma Strand (Scottie Thompson) is on vacation at the seaside in 1892 California with her second husband Albert (Connor Paolo) when she encounters her first husband George (Jilon VanOver) and his mentally unstable new wife, Lillian (Vivian Kerr). Emma and Albert take refuge from a sudden storm at George and Lillian’s mansion. Over the course of the evening, Emma must confront her unhappiness in her marriage, the temptation of adultery, and the disturbing possibility the house is haunted by George and Lillian’s recently drowned daughter Hazel.

Séance plays like a classic noir haunted house thriller with it’s small ensemble cast and dark period house setting. The plots provides a clever juxtaposition of grief for the loss of George/Lillians daughter with the relationship problems of both couples being apparent and as the story develops we discover what the characters real motivations are what the consequences will be.

It’s mostly a dialogue driven piece with little in the way of action but the viewers attention is aptly held by the performances of the ensemble but especially the stunningly haunting visuals from cinematographer Johanna Coelho who uses candlelight and shadow to great effect as well as contrasting with lighter tones for the few scenes which takes place outside the house. The mood and atmosphere is further enhanced by the a stirring score using mostly piano and strings from Arturo Rodriguez and Holly Tatnall.

3/5 – Atmospheric gothic drama that explores relationships and grief with some haunting visuals.

The film had its World Premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival and is starting its film festival run before an wider release. 

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Find out more at seancefilm.com

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