By Melissa Antoinette Garza
“Noone is going to get in or out of this town, without me knowing about it.” – Hank (John Ireland)
Tim (Duncan McIntosh) is a young man who lives in the small town of Galen. He is plagued by violent nightmares where the local residents are slaughtered by an unseen force. These dreams are, in actuality, revelations of things to come. Unable to cope any longer, he slowly descends into madness. He begins to believe that he is the murderer.
Dr. Sam Cordell (John Cassavetes) arrives in Galen just in time. A women is murdered and brutally raped. When the level of the violence is determined upon examination, questions begin to mount as to whether this was a single person who perpetrated the acts, multiple criminals, or something else entirely.
Sam’s teenage daughter Jenny (Erin Noble) who is also dating Tim, confides in her father about the young man’s frightening gift. At first, he chops it up to coincidence, but when the parallels follow every victim, he grows suspect.
Meanwhile, a romance blossoms between the Cordell and Laura Kincaid (Kerrie Keane) a reporter, who is also new to Galen and trying to uncover the truth. The two steam up quickly as other town folk fall victim to the most horrifying deaths including a shovel to the throat, being viciously attacked in the shower, and being dragged underneath a bathroom stall.
Officer Walden (John Ireland), the cop in charge of the case, is none too pleased about Kincaid’s interference. He thinks she is giving the town a bad name purposely and resents her for it. He nearly gets fired for her report, and though she later wishes to assist, Walden wants nothing to do with it. Instead, the good doctor tries to play a mediator and help in solving the crime that seems to get more and more bizarre. Kincaid tells Cordell that she’s uncovered something startling. Apparently, the same style acts had occurred 30 years ago in Galen.
“Incubus” is a clever whodunit with a strange twist that adds all of the elements of a great picture. There are hints of a conspiracy mixed in with a small town feel, a great atmosphere, terrific dialogue, and actors who are able to carry the production with ease.
The performances in this film, by far are the greatest selling points. John Cassavetes shines in his role. He is able to showcase toughness and believability as the lead. The desperation to find out the truth combined with the need to protect those he loves, brings out a level of sympathy that compels the viewers enough to root for him. More importantly, it keeps everyone glued to the seat in anticipation of what may happen next.
Another notable portrayal is that of John Ireland. Though the character is rough around the edges, Ireland is still able to play Walden as an overall good guy trying to do his job. Even when he’s vile to the heroine, he never steps over the line towards a villain. At times, he is hot tempered but it is completely understandable and Ireland’s talent ensures that the audience never loses sight of it.
The conclusion is well-thought out and ties the story together nicely. It is refreshingly surprising, even by today’s standards. The history of Galen, when revealed, is an interesting and original tale. The revelation of who was behind the massacre also is one that most won’t guess.
On a side note, watch out for a small part from legendary Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson. It’s always a treat to hear one of the greatest vocalists of all time, and this was no different.
The film delivers on all fronts. Hopefully, Hollywood will leave it alone and not attempt a remake. I shudder to think of Ashton Kutcher and Josh Hartnett in the leads attempting to play grownup roles. No, this one needs to remain untouched.
Scared Stiff Rating:7.5/10
