REVIEWS

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Review by Moumita Deb

Harish Kumar's script creates an uncanny ambiance of nightmares about isolation, as some strange, mysterious force chases the characters. Eventually, these nightmares cross over into daydreams or hallucinations, threatening to become real.

Ultimately, taking "Trouble Inherited" from script to screen includes setup, tricky camera work, and those crucial jump scares that add a tinge of sheer horror.

Kumar penned a brilliant script; a quality psychological horror-thriller. Although, admittedly, some occasional looseness hinders the plot. It's nothing the usual revisions wouldn't fix.

Horror Fans Will Approve

Die-hard horror fans may get distracted where the film is derivative and meandering. No worries though, it's still gruesomely entertaining.

This makes all the difference —

Kumar develops his characters, with Jessica and Audrey standing out in particular. Also, the technical aspect of the script is notable, because it makes the execution of the story functional for a director.

And we don't stop there —

Kumar's images are grim and scratched with mysterious undertones, inspiring terrifying moments that bring on the goosebumps.

"Trouble Inherited" will send chills down your spine

Kumar begins right in the middle of a horror sequence initiating with the sinister tree, oozing blood that sets the tone.

Soon, the characters run from some unseen force through a somewhat rundown looking neighborhood.

Even better, in terms of horror set-ups, the place is eerily void of other humans. I would guess that the creepiness of such "log cabin house " isolation might hit the viewers even harder.

My experience is that it's unusual to find a deserted house in such a nightmarishly weird set up.

No doubt about it, this unique placement of the characters in their environment makes the scene creepier.

The first section of the script primarily focuses on these bizarre lapses into an alternate, desolate reality. To an extent, I later wished that the writer had kept the whole plot in this same mode, as it was excellent —

Nevertheless, I gave the first section a firm "10 out of 10" and lowered the score a bit later because of meandering and eventual slight lack of logic.

A handful of nightmarish influences

The writer wears his horror influences on his sleeve throughout the entire building up of suspense. Shortly after, the plot takes a turn towards a 1979 Amityville Horror-style haunted house flick.

Later, there are elements of A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), the Exorcist (1973), and even Friday the 13th (1980)-- If you are in favor of strong influences and you know those precursor films, this might be a cue to enjoy the layer by layer deft craftsmanship that goes behind the scripting .

I don't mind influence as long as the writer weaves his disparate sources together adeptly. At other times, the tonal mood is almost sublime, perfectly atmospheric.

Horror fans should not expect to see a lot of gore or special effects barring the drone episode. When such effects do occur, they come off a bit cheesy. So, it's better than the writer tends to stick with subtlety, suggestion, and reaction to experienced these observed horrors. He seems to handle this in a more understated style easily.

There's always the question of mental health

Finally, even though the sequences end up in a more off-the-wall supernatural territory, much of the film seems a metaphor for schizophrenia.

In fact, Kumar goes to some length to show us a literal parallel while engaging in the metaphor at the same time —

Early hallucinations and our protagonist's later possessions tend to be accompanied by catatonia. She has olfactory hallucinations as well and loses track of past events. At the same time, she remains in unusual isolation and seems to be unusually possessed.

Even the more supernatural material works well for this interpretation. As it so happens, claims of "possession by demons" and misdiagnosed mental disorders known as metaphysical phantasms played their roles in the horror.

I wouldn't say that the scriptwriter intended the whole film as only a metaphor for paranoia. But that's obviously one of his intentions, along with spinning a frightening horror-thriller yarn.

An Over-all Excellent Example of the Horror Genre

I consider "Trouble Inherited" an excellent example of the direction that heightens fear and apprehension. The script paves the way to outstanding cinematography, and perfect for a low budget horror production.

From unique camera angles to inventive scare sequences, this screenplay if appropriately executed, will yield a must-watch film. I especially applaud the possessed character scenes.

Kumar's script offers a powerful atmosphere of unease throughout and although quite lengthy and involving unnecessary overtones; the gripping plot will leave one looking over one’s shoulder at night.

"We need to be prepared to fight this darkness; else, it will consume us."

I guess this statement details everything about "Trouble Inherited."

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Moumita is a Kolkata based independent filmmaker and film critic. She holds a post- graduation degree in English literature from Jadavpur University. Reading novels of a wide range of authors of all genres from classic to contemporary has always been Moumita’s passion and calling. She also takes a strong liking in playing the Spanish guitar & has participated in quite a few concerts. Moumita has done her certification course in Cinematography, Video Editing and Filmmaking.