Anacoreta blurs the lines between reality and fiction with an incredibly smart horror film featuring brilliant writing from Jeremy Schuetze and Matt Visser that utilizes the low budget filmmaking and its strong cast to great effect, crafting an unforgettable experience that will keep audiences on their toes and guessing as to what is actually happening in the best way imaginable.

 

Meta analysis within the horror genre is nothing new for audiences, but when done right, it can lead to some of the most memorable horror films like the Scream franchise, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare and The Cabin in the Woods. Joining the ranks of these great horror films is Anacoreta, the new Canadian horror film from Vancouver filmmaker Jeremy Schuetze that he co-wrote with Matt Visser, which is not only a great meta horror film, but one that has great commentary on the lengths that artists will go to achieve their artistic vision. With the cast playing characters that have their names as the film’s group of friends head to a secluded cabin in the woods to make an experimental horror film, Jeremy Schuetze and Visser begin to erode the distinction between storytelling and real life as filming progresses. When combined with a great cast that fully understands the artistic vision for this story and notably Jeremy Schuetze and Antonia Thomas who are outstanding in the lead roles, Anacoreta becomes the perfect maddening experience for experienced horror fans to dissect and relish in the uncomfortable tale of terror that unfolds.

 

When audiences think of horror films and what is most terrifying about them, it is normally the monster or supernatural entity at the centre of the story, but Anacoreta challenges that notion with a far more disturbing monster. Despite making an experimental horror movie and a local legend that has scared locals for decades, the true monster of this film is the experimental horror movie’s director: Jeremy. Seeing Jeremy’s desperation to make his film, the screenplay highlights an artist’s unhealthy obsession with perfecting his art at any cost, even at the expense of all of his personal relationships. At times the film is laugh out loud funny at the absurd and cringe worthy lengths that Jeremy is willing to go to make what he perceives as the perfect film, but at times also deeply unsettling as any regard for his friends is tossed aside. It’s a self destructive spiral, but Jeremy Schuetze and Visser smartly pit this against the local legend and strange occurrences that Jeremy could not have orchestrated himself. It quickly begins to beg the question, has Jeremy gone to extreme lengths to create his film and manipulate everyone around him, or is there something sinister afoot that is taking hold on this group of friends? By doing so, Jeremy Schuetze and Visser are able to stay one step ahead of the audience with each twist and surprise that they drop in the story, constantly challenging viewers’ minds and keeping them in the dark as to what is truly happening in Anacoreta. And by the time the film reaches its shocking final moments, they purposefully leave the audience to decide: did an ancient evil take over, or did the film crew finally snap?

 

As smart as Jeremy Schuetze and Visser’s story is for the film, its success rests on the performances of the cast and their understanding of the true vision for the story, but given that the entire cast is involved creatively with the film in some way or another, they all knock it out of the park. At times the performances feel forced and cringeworthy, but it is what is required by the script, while at others they are impressive to say the least. Antonia Thomas anchors the film as Antonia, providing an emotional lifeline for the audience to grab onto as her character tries to make sense of the madness on screen and her relationship with Jeremy, easily becoming the standout of the film. Jeremy Schuetze is phenomenal as Jeremy, capturing an unhinged madness that makes for the film’s true monster, while showcasing small moments of humanity that captures the complex nature and motivations of his character. Visser is great as Matt, trying to make a film with his friend but also manage Jeremy’s at times outrageous behaviour, while Jesse Stanley works wonders with the more supernatural moments for her character to induce fear in the audience.

 

It is very evident that the filmmakers in Anacoreta are working with a small budget to bring their vision to life, but never for a second does the film feel amateur. Ben Gulliver’s cinematography, who also plays the cinematographer in the movie Gully, captures the unravelling madness up close, never letting the characters hide their truths except for when they demand he turns off the camera, which creates distrust between them and the viewers. During the more terrifying moments, largely at night with a lower quality of picture due to the lack of ample natural lighting, the film quickly becomes it is reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project as it feels like something real is happening in front of your eyes (but it is without question far better than The Blair Witch Project). The sound design and musical score are very effective, capturing the natural sounds of the film’s shooting locations with the score by Gulliver and Ben Schuertze instills the film with an undeniable tension as emotions rise amongst the characters. The result is an eerie atmosphere as the local ghost story becomes an unsettling reality for the film crew, while their personal conflicts reach a breaking point. With every part of the crew pulling double duty both in front of and behind the camera, everything comes together under the talented direction of Jeremy Schuetze and brings to life this tricky high concept horror film that is an incredibly rewarding viewing experience for horror aficionados.

Championing homegrown Canadian talent is something that should be a priority for all members of the Canadian press, especially for films shot in my own backyard in British Columbia. But when the film is as great as Anacoreta, it is a pleasure to recommend this great little horror film that blurs the distinction between reality and storytelling that not only creates an unforgettable film, but is wildly entertaining. With a talented, small ensemble cast led by the outstanding performances of Antonia Thomas and Jeremy Schuetze, Jeremy Schuetze and Matt Visser’s unique and deeply disturbing for Anacoreta engulfs viewers in the brilliance of its low budget filmmaking to take audiences on a reality defying horror film that is one delightfully maddening experience!