Nerdly » ‘Beezel’ Blu-ray Review

30th Dec2024

‘Beezel’ Blu-ray Review

by Phil Wheat

Stars: Lejon Woods, Bob Gallagher, Nicolas Robin, Victoria Fratz Fradkin | Written by Victoria Fratz Fradkin | Directed by Aaron Fradkin

Beezel, the latest horror movie released under the “Dread” banner, is a chilling exploration of supernatural horror set in a cursed New England home that has endured decades of sinister occurrences. Directed by Aaron Fradkin and co-written with Victoria Fratz Fradkin, the film centres on the malevolent force of Beezel, a blind, ancient witch lurking beneath the house and tormenting its residents through multiple timelines.

From the outset, the movie wastes no time plunging into its eerie setup. At just 82 minutes long, it’s a tight, fast-paced experience that doesn’t linger on unnecessary exposition. Instead, it jumps between timelines, revealing the history of the house and the sinister force lurking beneath its floorboards. Each timeline brings a new layer of dread, and as the pieces fall into place, the full extent of Beezel’s curse becomes horrifyingly clear.

One of the film’s strongest points is its use of practical effects. In an age where CGI often dominates, it’s refreshing to see a horror movie lean into tangible, visceral scares. The visuals of Beezel herself are particularly memorable. Her design is grotesque and unsettling, with her sightless eyes and gnarled appearance exuding an ancient, otherworldly menace. She’s a villain who doesn’t need an elaborate backstory or dialogue to leave an impression—her mere presence is enough to send shivers down your spine.

The cast does a solid job, with everyone doing a great job portraying the escalating fear and desperation as Beezel’s influence tightens its grip. The characters feel grounded and relatable, even as the supernatural stakes rise. While no single actor necessarily steals the show, the ensemble works well together to sell the story’s tension and stakes.

That said, Beezel isn’t without its flaws. For one, while the multiple timelines are an interesting narrative choice, they can feel a bit underdeveloped at times. Some of the characters and their stories could have benefited from more depth, and certain elements of Beezel’s backstory remain vague. A deeper dive into her origins and motivations could have added even more weight to the horror.

The pacing is another mixed bag. The first half of the movie is genuinely chilling, with moments that build an almost unbearable sense of tension. Unfortunately, the second half struggles to maintain that same level of intensity. It’s not that the movie becomes boring, but some of the scares and plot twists feel less impactful as it heads toward its conclusion.

Visually, the cinematography gets the job done, but it’s not particularly standout. The film leans heavily on dim lighting and shadows to create atmosphere, which works for the most part but occasionally feels overdone. Similarly, the score has its highs and lows. At its best, it amplifies the suspense; at its worst, it feels a bit heavy-handed, pulling focus away from the more subtle moments of terror.

However, Beezel still has a lot going for it. It’s clear that the filmmakers were inspired by classic horror films, and they’ve done a good job capturing that old-school vibe while keeping things fresh enough for modern audiences. The concise runtime works in its favour, making it a quick, engaging watch that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

The real draw here is the atmosphere. The house itself feels like a character, with every creak of the floorboards and flicker of the lights adding to the sense of doom. Beezel’s malevolence seeps into every corner of the story, creating a lingering feeling of unease that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Beezel isn’t a perfect movie, but it’s a solid addition to the horror genre. Fans of witch-themed stories and atmospheric horror will likely find it worth their time. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares but instead builds its terror through mood and suspense. While it may not break new ground, it’s a reminder of how effective horror can be when it focuses on creating an unsettling experience rather than trying to dazzle with spectacle.

If you’re in the mood for a creepy, old-school-style horror flick with a unique antagonist and plenty of eerie moments, Beezel is definitely worth a watch. It’s rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm.