The Burial (Film Review)

Possession films are popular real estate in horror, with franchises such as The Conjuring, Evil Dead, and Insidious all bringing out new titles in the not-too distant future.

Riding the wave of success, The Burial, the directorial debut of up-and-coming director Michael Escalante, provides a thrilling take on the possession trope with lashings of comedy and familial drama to boot.

When Brian receives a mysterious call from his down-and-out alcoholic brother Keith, he and his girlfriend Molly head to his remote cabin in the woods for an impromptu family reunion.

However, all is not as it seems as Keith reveals his true intentions for inviting his estranged brother to his home and the trio fights for their lives against a mysterious entity hellbent on punishing them for their demons.

The Burial combines horror, drama, and humour in an intriguing package that made for a thoroughly enjoyable watch. There are many moments where I thought I had guessed how the narrative would unfold until it took yet another twist keeping it fresh.

The film draws influence from A Simple Plan and The Cabin In The Woods, though it manages to carve its own place at the table with its unique mythology behind the evil entity at the heart of the terror in the narrative – and an eerie execution of its story to boot.

We often see possession take place in horror films when a spirit takes over the body of a living host, however, The Burial sees a sadistic entity searching for bodies of the deceased to inhabit to walk among the living once again.

The evil is introduced to the plot through Aaron Pyle in the body of Lenny, a role in which he commands each and every scene he is in as the foreboding supernatural presence.

A tense dinner scene between the group had me sitting on the edge of my seat, both fearful of what would happen next and also marveling at Pyle's talent that he could keep a viewer so engaged during an extensive monologue in which the camera is static, trained in a close-up on his face.

Spencer Weitzel as Keith is similarly captivating to watch. As we see his character's redemption arc from a selfish criminal burnout to the hero of the piece desperate to save his loved ones, Weitzel introduces subtle changes in the way he portrays the character that further drives the transformation home.

Faith Kearns and Vernon Taylor as Molly and Brian delight in scenes of terror as they look for ways in which to survive their ordeal, subverting common tropes in horror by pointing out the ridiculous idea of splitting up and commenting on what they shouldn't do, that oftentimes, your average character would do without a second thought.

There are parts in which the film is rough around the edges in terms of plot progression as well as some dubious lines and acting in a few scenes, but as a whole package, The Burial is an enjoyable take on the possession film that will make you think twice about taking a stroll in the woods.

The Burial is available on digital platforms worldwide from March 3, 2023, via Terror Films.