THE EVIL MAKER

Written, Produced, and Directed by John Bowker
Director of Photography - Joe Sherlock
Make Up Effects - Rob Merickel

Steaphanie Beaton - Serena
Felicia Pandolfi - Rachel
Arlene Henry - Cindy
Dori Schwartz - Tyler

Whenever I see video cover art where the lead actress has her boob falling out I usually think porn. While director John Bowker pads THE EVILMAKER with gratuitous, Stephanie Beaton nakedness, he delivers an engaging, surprise-filled film dealing with complex character relationships.

For a first film, Bowker shows an amazing grasp of structural technique when telling his story. As the film progresses, it lapses into flashbacks, often replaying the same scene over revealing new twists, some not being revealed until the last frame.

The film opens in media res, near the climax of the film. Battered and bloody, Serena (Stephanie Beaton) prepares herself to do battle with the supernatural after days of falling victim to an unseen entity. Quickly we jump back three days and find Serena at her mother's house where she recovering from her recent split with her abusive husband. Her best friend Rachel decides that a day at the beach, with two high school friends, is just what Serena needs. Joined by Cindy and Tyler, the girls pack up Rachel's van and head out.

Right off you see that Rachel is the type to who doesn't follow the beaten path, literally. In one of the few "formula" moments, Goth-girl Rachel decides the quickest way to the beach is through a grave shortcut. It's a given that the van will breakdown, stranding the girls in the wilderness. Director Bowker, knowing he's falling into familiar territory, decides to have fun by allowing the characters to realize how pat the situation truly is. The characters are bright enough to know that there's "always a house at the end of dead end roads."

Although the house appears lived in, the girls find it vacant and make themselves at home. Now I can understand a little B&E to find shelter for a single night, but the Four become so comfortable that they end up staying for days. Gradually things fall apart as an unseen presence makes itself known, ultimately culminating in an Amittyville-type face-off where there are genuinely frightening moments. Even more impressive is the climax itself. Forgetting the formula, Bowker allows the characters to drive the ending rather than relying on plot contrivances that have befuddle many recent productions I've seen.

While Stephanie Beaton does spend a good amount of time changing her clothes, the real standout is Felicia Pandolfi as Rachel. At times she gives a better performance than Stephanie, the single paid actress. I don't mean to imply that Stephanie doesn't do her job well, far from it. It's just that Felicia has a natural acting ability that exceeds the star talent. There's something to be said about an actress who can steal a scene from a beautiful, naked woman. With any luck we'll see more of Ms. Pandolfi in the future.

Stylistically, Bowker is in great form. Never does he settle for simple point-and-shoot filmmaking that bogs down many micro-budget productions. Working with Director of Photography Joe Sherlock, the two give the film a near professional look. Combining creative compositions, camera movement, and lighting, THE EVILMAKER comes off with a truly frightening edge. Adding to the effect is a hypnotic and pounding score and soundtrack. I've always said the soundtrack is just as important to a film as the visuals. Would EVIL DEAD be as effective without the nerve-grating, high pitched shrills? Doubtful. And Bowker uses a similar audio style, although to a much lesser degree.

Everything being said, John Bowker provides one of the better debut features I've seen in some time. Not just a fan making a backyard feature, Bowker makes an intelligent, well thought out, and striking film. I look forward to more of his work. The same can be said for the two leads, Felicia Pandolfi and the naked Stephanie Beaton.