This is my first review for Box of Scraps Studio, a page that previously focused only on photography. Thank you for your support—or even if you disagree with what I have to say. I’m stepping into reviewing independent films, and I want to be careful not to give away too much. I think people should experience this kind of horror film themselves and form their own opinions. According to the official website, the plot centers on “an American named Chris Rivers who travels to the remote Welsh countryside to investigate the disappearance of his troubled friend, leading him to a dark apocalyptic cult.” What’s unique about this review is that the filmmakers—or at least someone representing them—contacted me directly and asked if I'd be willing to watch and write about their film. While I appreciate being considered a credible voice, I want to assure you that I won’t let that influence my assessment of “Older Gods.” I told them upfront that I would be honest, even if I didn't like it. Luckily, I did enjoy the movie! What might hold it back could also be its biggest strength: the lack of a studio budget forced the filmmakers to find creative solutions for their storytelling. They’ve managed to create a compelling story with elements of Lovecraftian cosmic horror blended with smart drama and psychological tension. Considering everyone involved is making their feature film debut, the inexperience doesn't overshadow their understanding of the genre. Director David A. Roberts seems to grasp that the most effective Lovecraft stories stem from humanity’s inability to comprehend the potential horrors lurking throughout the universe—how small and insignificant we are, and the unsettling feeling evoked by a vast, dark sky. Rather than relying on gore or cheap jump scares, “Older Gods” creates an atmosphere of unease with reactions that feel genuinely disturbing. That's the kind of horror I prefer. Jump scares lose their impact quickly, but this film left me pondering big questions about life and existence. Now, my positive feelings toward this indie film are partly based on a shared appreciation for eldritch horror with the filmmaking team. It’s not perfect, though. There's quite a bit of dialogue; much of the story is conveyed through spoken exposition rather than action. I think more visual storytelling would have improved the movie, but I suspect these shortcomings are due to limited funds, a small crew, or the challenges of filming during the pandemic—likely a combination of all three. While the truly impressive scenes are infrequent, they’re visually striking and awe-inspiring, leaving me wanting more. Again, I don't fault the filmmakers; telling a story on this scale with such limited resources must have been difficult. The aspects that didn’t depend heavily on budget—the acting, sound mixing, and editing—are all excellent. Rory Wilson, who carries most of the film as the lead actor, shows considerable potential. The supporting roles are also well-acted. Technically, the cinematography and editing are superb, with subtle CGI effects being a particular highlight. Those large-scale, fantastical scenes are so few that I wish there were more, which is both a compliment and a slight disappointment. Ultimately, “Older Gods” does a good job of portraying the dread associated with an existential crisis brought on by a traumatic event like losing someone close to you. It sets up its horror effectively and provides a satisfying emotional resolution for the characters. My criticisms are largely attributable to the filmmakers’ limited resources. Even taking those constraints into account, “Older Gods” remains a disturbing and thought-provoking journey through a cosmic world of chaos—a fitting tribute to H.P. Lovecraft's brand of horrific madness. Considering this was made by first-time feature filmmakers on a micro-budget during the pandemic, my respect for "Older Gods" is immense. I’m impressed by the dedication and effort put forth by such a small team. As an aspiring filmmaker myself, films like this are incredibly inspiring, and I'm eager to see what David A. Roberts, Rory Wilson, and Wagyu Films do next.

Source on TMDB