‘Thine Ears Shall Bleed’ VOD Review
Stars: Andrew Hovelson, Hannah Cabell, Lea Zawada, Duke Huston, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe | Written by Ben Bigelow, William Bigelow | Directed by Ben Bigelow
Thine Ears Shall Bleed, the debut feature from director Ben Bigelow, presents an intriguing blend of occult horror and frontier drama, set in the foreboding wilderness of 19th-century America. The film follows Reverend Ezekiel Thatcher, portrayed with gravitas by Andrew Hovelson, as he and his family are drawn into the enigmatic grip of a haunting sound that seems divine but hides a sinister truth.
From the outset, Bigelow clearly has an eye for detail and the resulting film has a meticulous attention to atmosphere, crafting world that feels tactile and immersive, where every shadow and whisper contributes to the pervasive sense of dread. The cinematography is particularly noteworthy, with its chiaroscuro lighting and sweeping vistas that juxtapose natural beauty with an underlying menace. The visual language of the film echoes the work of masters like Robert Eggers, though it retains its own unique identity.
The performances anchor the narrative, with Hovelson delivering a deeply felt portrayal of a man torn between faith and fear. The supporting cast, including Elise Eberle as his headstrong wife, adds depth and nuance to the family dynamic, making their descent into terror all the more compelling.
However, Thine Ears Shall Bleed is not without issues. The pacing, especially in the first act, struggles to find its footing. The slow build, while effective in establishing mood, occasionally borders on indulgence, and certain narrative threads feel underdeveloped. The script aims for profundity, exploring themes of faith, sacrifice, and the human tendency to ascribe meaning to the inexplicable, but it sometimes falls short of its lofty ambitions.
Despite these shortcomings, the film succeeds in its primary goal: to unsettle and captivate. The sound design deserves special mention, as it becomes a character in its own right, weaving an aural tapestry that lingers long after the credits roll. Bigelow demonstrates a clear command of the genre, and while the film doesn’t fully escape the shadow of its influences, it signals the arrival of a director with a distinct vision.
In conclusion, Thine Ears Shall Bleed is a visually stunning and thematically ambitious debut that, while imperfect, showcases Ben Bigelow’s potential as a filmmaker to watch. For those willing to embrace its deliberate pacing and atmospheric approach, the film offers a haunting experience that lingers long after viewing.
**½ 2.5/5
Thine Ears Shall Bleed is out now on digital platforms, courtesy of Miracle Media.
