Mystery Spot, written and directed by Mel House, is a prime example of a film that tries to tackle too much at once, stuffing multiple plots into one bloated package. While it starts out seemingly as a unilateral supernatural mystery, it diverges off into several unnecessary tangents, focusing too long on those before eventually weaving back to the moments that actually offer substance. 

As far as storytelling goes, the plot-point of characters converging together to escape their current life struggles isn’t necessarily a new concept, but one that often resonates on a fundamental level. The idea that we can bond with and relate to those who share our internal (and sometimes external) battles is arguably a basic human need. We tend to find comfort in knowing that we aren’t truly alone, that there’s someone else who can acknowledge and validate our feelings. Mystery Spot explores this notion by bringing together a group of tormented strangers against a supernatural and perilous backdrop.

Graham Skipper plays Nathan, who is currently living out a miserable, lonely existence in a motel recording audition tapes for his mysterious boss. Estranged from his wife and daughter, we are given scenes that show both the mundane nature of his job, and his futile efforts to maintain a relationship with his child. The motel that acts as his temporary home is part of a defunct, run-down former roadside attraction that is claimed to have supernatural and metaphysical powers. 

When grieving widow Rachel (Lisa Wilcox, of Nightmare on Elm Street 4 and 5 fame) shows up for a stay in the midst of a road trip to work on her novel, we learn that she, too, is living out a wayward, bleak reality. As she and Nathan begin to connect through their mutual difficulties, puzzling and eerie events begin to unfold around them. These occur not only from the Mystery Spot and the ambiguity of the purported powers swirling around it, but also from a few curious individuals hanging around the area whose motives prove to be uncertain.

The moments that offer substance, primarily between Skipper and Wilcox, offer enough poignancy to keep the viewer’s attention as they are forced to slog through the rest of the unneeded, superfluous departures. Their natural chemistry gives a charming believability to the budding romance that develops between them, bringing a compelling reason to stick with the movie even through it’s moments that drag.

Wilcox is nothing short of captivating, expertly knowing when to accelerate the emotional hits, and when to pull back for sake of brevity. Her portrayal of a grief-stricken and guilt-ridden soul is an absolute, and at times surprising, centering point in what is otherwise a convoluted and messy story. Skipper, for his part, also excels at giving an enthralling and authentic performance. He’s someone you’re able to gain quick empathy for, instantly rooting for a happy ending for both he and Wilcox.

If only Mystery Spot had concentrated on their storyline more, and given added scenes focusing on their charm and prowess, it may have felt less plodding. But where it shines in character development with its two leads, it falters in its lack of compelling writing and subpar editing. Still, the balance between its strengths and weaknesses is fairly even, making this a standard take it or leave it watch.

6 out of 10