Shadow Puppets

Written and Directed by Michael Winnick

Starring Jolene Blalock, James Marsters, and Tony Todd

Icon Distribution

R4 DVD

Shadow Puppets is an interesting psychological thriller which borders on genre horror. Eight individuals wake up in an unknown location, they are isolated in rooms which range from padded to a bedroom. At first they are haunted by extreme sounds and a range of strange occurrences such as dimming of the lights and then the doors unlock. They are in some sort of institution or prison, yet without guards. They are in their underwear and cannot remember their past, indeed even their names cannot be brought to memory. As they explore their “prison” they find hints it is some strange sort of psychiatric institution with other prisoners locked in the basement including the volatile character played by Tony Todd and a Melissa, who is killed at quick speed by a strange adversary - a shadow creature which seems to materialize from the darkness and literally absorb its victims.

As the story unfolds we find the identity of the prisoners and the strange background to this experimental mental institution where memories are “wiped clean”. At first it seems such tasks were only undertaken for clinical reasons, but then as the head of the facility comes under pressure he uses the ability to cover his tracks and something (a shadow creature) is let loose. It seems wiping the mind and influencing the balance between the body, mind and spirit is a dangerous pursuit.

This is an interesting film which mixtures psychological thriller with horror, while there is a share of blood and violence, the emphasis is on mood and creating a sense of dread and terror. The tension is constantly sustained and with the careful use of limited sets and lighting is extremely successful.

The character development is solid and the interplay between the various characters, especially leading to and from the final revelation of which one of them is really the head of the facility faking memory loss, is solid.

Jolene Blalock is a powerful lead mixing vulnerability with strength, fear with a determination to survive, James Marsters play his role well, but I think a few more hints about his identity would have added an extra layer to the plot. Tony Todd as the lumbering criminal is as superb as ever, he is always a consummate performer (who can forget Candyman!) and here is much the same.

For a film made on a limited budget with a minimum of special effects, relying on character development, plot and mood, this is a welcome surprise and worth seeing.