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| Images Courtesy of ITN Films |
Films about the craft of acting are commonplace. The genres spans from introspective drama to psychological horror. The consistent theme that runs throughout them, regardless of approach, is in how dedication can often border on insanity. Ezekiel Decker's sophomore feature film, The Woman Under Stage fuses independent horror with chamber drama sensibilities to create a unique journey into a haunted production. Featuring an unforgettable central performance, unsettling imagery, and a unique narrative framework, this is a memorable excursion into the dark side of performance arts.
Whitney, a down on her luck actress is given a unique, and possibly suspect opportunity: To participate in a mysterious play production while living on set with the rest of the cast to ensure commitment. As the lines of reality begin to blur, the pursuit of fame threatens to undo not only the production, but Whitney's very soul. Decker cowrote the script with Robert Gaemaehlich and Logan Rinaldi. While the overall vibe may remind the viewer of Chuck Palahnuik's Haunted, visions of House of Leaves and Starry Eyes cannot be avoided and the experience works better with this in mind.
Jessica Dawn Willis gives an unforgettable central performance as Whitney. One of the strongest elements of Decker's vision is in the blurring of reality and the surreal, constantly asking whether the ghosts at the heart of the tale are in fact real and this question is posited within the dynamics of a theater troupe, complete with the expected tropes and new surprises. An air of mystery hangs over ever scene and the way Willis' Whitney slowly descends into madness and uncertainty is both a testament to her skill and a powerful example of commitment.
Evan Burns cinematography has an almost voyeuristic quality that is the perfect accoutrement. The bulk of the scenes combine the sensibilities of a chamber piece with an almost supernatural documentary ambiance as the audience silently watches this unusual and possibly cursed performance unfold. Dark shadows and grim visuals flood the optics to mirror the conflict within Whitney as her sanity is challenged alongside her quest for fame and recognition and the result is an exceptionally disquieting dissertation on the cost of such foolish errands.
Now streaming on Tubi, The Woman Under the Stage is a grim and frightening horror story told in a vintage style that displays its creators' clear devotion to the genre. Excellent performances and craftsmanship combine to present a sly dissent on the topic of fame and those who blindly pursue it. If Black Swan, Perfect Blue, and other similar films interest you, this is a must see.
--Kyle Jonathan