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| Images Courtesy of Cranked Up Films |
Harkening back to Tales from Crypt and Creepshow, Tenants is an anthology horror film by a cadre of talented directors. Featuring six short stories contained within a seventh, this is a solid effort of independent cinema. Including one of the year's best performances (in the best segment of the film), an adequate if predictable premise, and genuine displays of cinematic creativity, this is a film whose expected mediocrity is overcome by the dedication of its cast and crew.
A woman is desperately searching for her sister in an unusual apartment complex. As she wanders from floor to floor whilst being pursued by something paranormal, the denizens of the building each encounter horrors of their own. The first segment would make a comical companion piece to this year’s The Substance, while also setting the hilarious and wicked tone that will follow. Each of the stories has a theme: Fame, Loss, Motherhood, etc. However the standout is Need Anything, a pitch-black comedy about two roommates whose relationship becomes violent. It is clear how committed these two actresses are to the roles and it is that commitment that makes their section the most memorable.
One of the more disturbing segments involves a married couple struggling in the aftermath of a lost child, while another deals with a widower who cannot seem to let going anything, including refuse that was associated with his deceased wife. While none of the short films fail, the quality varies from basic to brilliant.
Perhaps the weakest element is the connective story, but there is something undeniable about the atmosphere of this film. From the moment the protagonist is introduced, the way that certain themes are handled is quite clever, allowing the viewer to note certain actions and details that give hints to the various mysteries of the building while also blending a sense of palpable dread with an unyielding sense of family and determination. The result is a mixed bag with some of the stories towering over the lesser ones, however, this may vary from viewer to viewer. If there is a defect it is that Tenants telegraphs everything and lacks nuance, which tempers the possibilities and impact.
Now available for digital rental, Tenants is a flawed, but fun return to the anthology horror genre. While some of the tales of terror lack punch, Need Anything is worth the price of admission, not only for Clarke Wolfe's award-winning supporting performance, but for its perfect marriage of comedy and carnage.
--Kyle Jonathan