Imprint

MTI Home Video 2009

Director Michael Linn, Producer Chris Eyre

R1 DVD

Reviewer Bob Estreich

This film is variously described as horror or thriller. It is really neither. It is a supernatural mystery story, verging on the mystical, with a Native American touch. If you are a fan of blood and gore, you will not find it here.

Shayla Stonefeather (the brilliant and beautiful Tonantzin Carmelo), a prosecuting attorney, has just completed a case where a young lad has been found guilty of murder. Coincidentally he comes from the same reservation that she left years ago. Shayla returns to the reservation to be with her dying father, who is bedridden and almost catatonic. In her first night in the house she hears noises that lead her to think that the locals are taking revenge on her for the prosecution. Night by night the noises get worse and she starts to see ghostly figures and flashes of inexplicable but terrible scenes. Being a modern girl, she has abandoned the old myths and legends of her tribe and she struggles for a more believable answer to the mysteries. She also receives daily visits from a wolf which appears unafraid of her, and a horse which seems to prefer her company.

A wise Indian elder and medicine man, played with tremendous authority and gentleness by Dave Bald Eagle, explains to her that she is receiving contacts from spirits. They have no sense of time – to them past and present and future is all the same. He says she must learn to listen to what they are trying to tell her, since she is the only one to whom the messages are directed.

Shayla finally accepts his explanation and sets out to listen to the message. Once Shayla accepts her heritage the story starts to drop into place. The spirits appear to be telling her about a family tragedy when her father caught her brother and his homosexual lover. Although the two were believed to have left town, it appears from the spirit message that her father killed them. The location of their missing motorbike is revealed to her, which confirms that the spirits are showing her the truth. Now she has received the message, what can she do about it? It soon becomes apparent that some of the message refers to the future, not the past, and some of it is terrifying. One of the flashes is of a hanging female – who will it be? And what is the significance of the wolf and horse? Are they the spirits of her brother and his friend? Whose side are they on?

Director Michael Linn has produced a beautiful film, from the rather harsh beauty of the Colorado plains to the rich colours of the local artistic handiwork. He has softened the horror approach and produced a thoroughly believable film that treats the Native American legends and culture with respect instead of the usual bloodthirsty splatter.

Even so, it is hard to imagine the story carrying much credibility without the skill of Dave Bald Eagle, whose performance, even in his minor part as tribal elder, makes the legends credible. It’s an old writer’s technique to have a minor actor explain the thread of the coming story, but I have rarely seen it played with such skill and compassion. In fact all the actors are absolutely perfect in their roles. Few have much film work behind them except Carmelo, but all turn in absolutely first class performances. It is quite revealing to see a ghost story based sympathetically around the Native American culture and featuring their people. Linn has been quoted as saying “I feel that the Native perspective elevates the genre above the norm, and using indigenous actors heightens the credibility of the subject matter. “ He is absolutely right.

MTI is an independent producer and this year they celebrate their 25th anniversary. This film will only enhance their reputation.

This review will appear in Volume 2 No.2 (2009) of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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