By Geno McGahee
William Malone, known for FEAR DOT COM and HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, tries his hand at the MASTERS OF HORROR with the demonic monster movie: THE FAIR HAIRED CHILD, and it was a fantastic horror film.
Tara (Lindsay Pulsipher) is an outcast at school. She is tormented by her classmates and is an absolute loner. She turns out the perfect prey for Judith (Lori Petty) and Anton (William Samples). They kidnap her and she awakens at what she thinks is a hospital. Judith poses as a nurse and starts asking her questions to see if she fits the mold. She has all of the qualities needed to be a sacrifice to bring their son back. Years ago, Johnny (Jesse Haddock) drowned. Anton, his father, could not swim and his mother Judith felt helpless. It drew them to a deal with the devil and it cost 12 innocent children their lives.
Tara is thrown into a basement with Johnny and eventually discovers just why he is down there and what her role is. Johnny transforms into a demonic monster that feeds on anyone unlucky enough to be in that basement. When Tara dies, he will fully transform back into the son, but he cannot live with the guilt, leading to a great ending.
I loved Lori Petty in the role of the mother. She brought an evil presence from her opening scene and it got more intense as we discovered more about her. Anton was more of a sympathetic figure and his remorse weighs on him heavily. He can’t forgive himself for making the deal and can’t forgive himself for letting his son drown. The relationship between Judith and Anton is very interesting.
THE FAIR HAIRED CHILD was very enjoyable. It brought a lot of suspense and mystery with a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 8/10
NEW HORROR ANTHOLOGY TRAILER: SCARY TALES