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Ahhh small town secrets. The basis for your average horror films that capitalize on the creepy nature of the places some of us grew up in. Places that have a plethora of backstories that can spark horror tales of their own without having to frame them in a horror film that simply must follow rules. As viewers, we are used to these. From the warning given by old bartenders to deserted streets during nocturnal scenes that hide creeping monsters.
In Harley Wallen’s Ash & Bone, the buildup is made up of that set of rules. We got no beef with it as a family arrives in this small town for the sake of bonding. They are not perfect. Mom and dad are actually stepmother and dad. Cassie is a rebellious teenager who thinks all diner meals taste the same and is always listening to death metal. Her anger is clear and justified. She has been taken out of that safe zone in which she hangs out with her emo friend. Their idea of fun is smoking like chimneys and throwing glass bottles at walls.
Cassie doesn’t take too long to run away from the getaway weekend. In a bar she meets a couple that sheds light on urban legends related to missing people that somehow arrive at a house where people disappear. Of course, Cassie believes it’s a good idea to go there.
In films like Ash & Bone people always do what they aren’t supposed to do. This doesn’t change in this one. However, it isn’t the most important plot element. Fortunately, writer Bret Miller has enough confidence to make a film about people that matter. Cassie’s conflict with her family, herself, and villains, is difficult to say the least. She’s a troubled teenager that manages to make everything about herself. Her father, Lucas, struggles and he simply can’t take another step further toward progress. Cassie’s stepmother Sarah is a great pillar of drama in a genre where characters like hers don’t exist. She cares, and members of the audience will suspect her disposition holds something darker. Yeah, we’re used to condemning characters for the sake of crappy, formulaic plots.
Ultimately, the film pays off in a third act completely dominated by another dysfunctional family. The monsters in the dark are an actually pretty interesting duo that will do anything to continue the kidnappings and murders. Their agenda has a secret. One that fuels the plot towards horror territory and actually makes the film better. The big reveal isn’t impactful as we would have liked but it’s good enough to keep us hooked in an essentially linear structure where heroes will win and villains will lose.
But at what cost? Cassie and her father protagonize a key moment in Ash & Bone. A scene that’ll make you think beyond the narrative arc that tells Cassie’s story. After that, a car scene will confirm your greatest fear. This little indie horror film isn’t huge or spectacular. But at least it holds you in its grip with an untold story that could be more relevant than you think. Sometimes your loved ones hold secrets that they can’t even control, and it gets scarier once you recognize their existence. Then you will always look behind you back. You never know what might happen, or who might be there.
Founder of Screentology. Member of the OFCS. RT Certified Critic
Dog dad.
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– Armessa Movie News