We’re living in an age where digital formats are accessible to nearly everyone, and social media influencers permeate every corner of the internet. Many have found solid careers in this, with legions of followers who consume their content on a daily basis. While this trend is here to stay, there will always be those who yearn for the days of yesteryear, where in their minds, entertainment was more authentically produced.
Echoes of Dread , written and directed by Philip Cook, delivers a tale focusing on two forms of media from opposite ends of the spectrum, that meld together to create a nightmare scenario with dire consequences.
We open with a man who appears to be deeply disturbed and fearful over events he’s recently experienced. At first, it could simply be interpreted that he’s downtrodden and fed up with life, but we soon discover that he’s being preyed upon by a sinister looking creature.
Matters quickly shift to a more joyful vibe with the introduction of YouTubers Samantha (Michelle Principi) and Reuben (Austin Greene), whose channel covers all things macabre and spooky. They’re on their way to interview famed archaeologist Rick Harding (Rick Foucheux), who we learn is the man from the previous scene. Harding has hosted a documentary show on BBC for decades, where he delves into the darker side of history. The pair’s excitement over this prospective meeting with Harding is obvious, as they hint at a plan to speak with him over a mysterious Russian film from 1908 that’s in his possession.
Harding doesn’t make it to the interview, however, and the reason behind it is a disturbing discovery for the influencers. They soon uncover the film, which is a silent, black and white documentation of The Tunguska Event – a massive explosion that occurred over central Siberia. As the film goes on, however, it also depicts monstrous creatures that are not of this world. Unbeknownst to Samantha and Reuben, they’ve inadvertently unleashed a 100 year old curse that affects anyone who watches the bizarre footage. It’s now up to them to find a way to stop it, before the reign of terror takes over the internet.
Echoes of Dread is a great example of how to utilize a small budget with a big idea. The creatures featured here are varied, but detailed. Some are Lovecraftian in nature, while others are more demonic. All are crafted in creative ways that harken back to practical effects of 1970’s and 1980’s cinema. There’s an eerie, atmospheric vibe to it, particularly when featuring the old film.
It’s important to note that Cook is playing back to one of his previous films, Despiser , with the reprise of character Norman (Mike Diesel). This, along with the fact that this movie was crowdfunded through Kickstarter, is an admirable feat that shows care toward those who have supported him throughout the years.
The performances of Principi and Greene start out shaky, as they initially come across as over the top and slightly grating, but it seems to be an intentional scripting decision, so that their influencer personas are an obvious distinction from who they really are off camera. It becomes clear that this is merely a caricature of their real selves, which are much more likable, logical, and steadfast.
Overall, this is a compelling story from start to finish, that delivers an ominous, effects-heavy depiction of horror both old and new.
