‘It Feeds’ VOD Review
Stars: Ashley Greene, Shawn Ashmore, Ellie O’Brien, Juno Rinaldi, Brooklyn Marshall, Mark Taylor, Shayelin Martin, Julian Richings | Written and Directed by Chad Archibald
It Feeds blends supernatural horror with psychological drama, centring on a mother and daughter who share a mysterious psychic gift. The mother, a psychologist with the ability to enter the minds of her patients and confront their trauma, keeps her power hidden due to its dangers. When a desperate young girl arrives at their home with a parasitic entity attached to her, the mother is reluctant to get involved. But her rebellious teenage daughter, determined to help, takes matters into her own hands—unleashing chaos that neither of them is prepared for.
The film benefits from surprisingly strong production values. Despite not being a mainstream release, its visuals carry a slick, polished quality. The dreamscapes, where much of the psychic and supernatural activity unfolds, are particularly striking, creating a sense of confusion and madness that enhances the horror atmosphere. The creature design, with practical makeup and effects, is another highlight, recalling influences from Insidious and Stranger Things without feeling wholly derivative.
Performances also elevate the material. The lead actress, portraying the cautious mother, delivers a convincing performance, grounding the film even when the script falters. The supporting cast also fares well, though the writing often fails to give their characters enough depth. Shawn Ashmore’s role as the troubled father of the afflicted girl hints at darker moral territory but remains frustratingly underdeveloped.
Unfortunately, the screenplay proves to be It Feeds biggest weakness. The rules of the mother’s psychic ability are vague, never adequately explained or justified, and the demon’s motives remain murky. At times, narrative logic collapses into convenience, such as a surreal sequence where the protagonist suddenly gains a gothic makeover and a room full of weapons while inside the creature’s mind. Characters, too, are inconsistently written. The teenage daughter—whose recklessness drives much of the conflict—causes devastation yet faces little consequence, while comic-relief side characters come across as cartoonish rather than believable.
Still, there is merit in the direction. Chad Archibald demonstrates a keen eye for atmosphere and visual tension, but his script lacks the clarity and focus needed to elevate the film beyond being merely watchable. The pacing builds tension effectively, and the climax has energy, yet the muddled writing prevents the story from fully resonating.
In the end, It Feeds is a mixed bag: visually stylish and bolstered by solid performances, but undone by sloppy storytelling and underdeveloped ideas. For horror fans willing to overlook a clunky script in exchange for atmosphere and practical effects, it may be worth a viewing. For others, it may feel more frustrating than frightening.
**½ 2.5/5
It Feeds is out on digital now from Signature Entertainment.
