Ranae (Maddie Conway in her first major role) wants to earn a few extra bucks, and so, as teenagers apparently still do, she decides to take on a babysitting job. What could be an easier way of earning money than watching over a baby whilst they sleep? ‘He shouldn’t wake up.’, the parents say as they nervously embark on their first night out together since before their little bundle of joy was born. But the horror savvy amongst us, all know that this is a classic set up for a night of shocks and horror that young Ranae will not forget for a very long time, that’s if she survives the night.
Christopher A. Micklos (together with long-time friends and business associates Jay Sapiro and Glenn Chung) writes, directs and produces his debut movie, The Nursery. Skilfully assisted on all sides by a team of emerging and talented cast and crew including Cinematographer Dan Andera, and composer Audrey Martinovich (who does a great job at putting together a very spooky and atmospheric score). Although there’s a lot of fresh blood here, experiencing what is essentially, a first-time introduction into the world of moviemaking, The Nursery turns out to be something quite special and surprisingly accomplished.
After receiving a disturbing photo on her cell that freaks her out, Ranae is joined in her night of terror by friends Calista (Emmaline Friederichs), Grace (Carly Sauer) and the not so nice Jeremy (Claudio Parrone Jr.), who insist on keeping her company. Ranae is beginning to experience unsettling hallucinations that can surely only be the work of a malevolent spirit, which in the case of this film comes in the form of Samara from The Ring (2002). No wait, it’s just someone that looks a lot like Samara. Obviously, everyone thinks that Ranae is simply a bit spooked until they all start seeing the ghostly girl as well. Unfortunately, it’s all too late by then. Cue some brutal murdering.
Now, this may read like it’s going to be paint-by-numbers stuff, but you would be wrong. This tech-savvy ghost delivers some nice jump scares, in fact, she is really quite vicious. It left me thinking, maybe she isn’t really dead after all? Maybe she’s just a wronged victim out for sweet revenge? Maybe the baby is a ghost? Oh, the possibilities. The film had piqued my interest early on, leaving me compelled to eagerly see it through. And you know what, it kept me guessing to the end.
The Nursery offers up some interesting visuals, nicely positioned shots and camera work, some odd time distortion that builds an unsettling tension very quickly, a dreaded baby-cam, and a nasty ghost that for some reason can’t get through locked doors.
Fortunately for all concerned Ranae’s little brother Ray (Marco Lama), knows all about ghosts and is on hand to help out with some well-needed advice and reassurance. Thank goodness the ghost can’t imitate people, else they are gonna be in big trouble.
From the start, we are presented with all manner of familiar horror trope setups. And this is fine, I quite like to try and pre-empt a plot. It was a pleasant surprise to find that The Nursery has a few unexpected twists, that impressed me and were quite original. Don’t get me wrong, this film doesn’t set the genre alight, however, it is a solid addition and some nice work has been done on developing an enjoyable and well-crafted scary experience.
So, if you like your ghosts to dress in white nighties, and you like your baby’s hanging from a noose, then this may well be the film for you. For me, despite every effort made to create chills, the most disturbing scene though was in the basement. I think my OCD went into overdrive at how messy it was. My god, it was like an endless warehouse of junk. I’m hyperventilating…hand me the paper bag…and breath.
Discover The Nursery for yourself now at Amazon.
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