Falling Stars is a modern folk horror tale. Set in an alternate reality where witches are very real – and very dangerous – the plot follows three brothers who head out to the desert to see a buried witch. When they accidentally desecrate the body, they unleash a curse that endangers everyone they come in contact with.
Directors Gabriel Bienczycki and Richard Karpala (who also served as writer) create an atmosphere that is filled with fear and a sense of melancholy. This is partially due to the setting. There are few buildings and even close neighbors are miles apart from each other. It is an accurate representation of the American southwest, but in Falling Stars it also adds to the feeling that something is off. The world seems to have changed for the worse.
Text at the beginning of Falling Stars is very revealing. Witches exist and during what is known as the harvesting season, humanity is especially at risk. The film constantly drops hints about how menacing things are. News reports and discussions about other countries add to the overall terror.
The character driven tale delivers its scares without putting a physical witch front and center. (Though the one that is shown is absolutely terrifying.) Instead, it is the idea and lore that are the most frightening part of Falling Stars. Most of the time is spent with S Andre Gabriel, Rene Leech, and Shaun Duke Jr. who play the three brothers perfectly. The trio have great chemistry and the love they have for each other feels natural. This also holds true for scenes that are more horror-centric. The performances draw audiences in.
Falling Stars is a fantastic take on folk horror that is familiar and still completely different. The movie is a unique look at witches that also focuses on themes of family. It is a suspenseful watch that uses careful pacing to crank up its more anxious moments. It is a perfect addition for the witchy season.
Falling Star comes to VOD and select U.S. cinemas Friday, October 11.
