Available on video-on-demand platforms and digital download from Monday February 6th is the low-budget supernatural-drama, Jethica. The movie follows the story of a young woman called Elena, who helps a friend deal with a troubling experience she is having.
In the movie, Elena is staying in New Mexico, while looking after her grandma’s property. One day, while filling up her car at the local gas station, she crosses paths with old friend, Jessica.
After sharing a brief exchange at the pumps, the pair head back to Elena’s grandma’s house for a proper catch up. They then spend some time together before Jessica reveals a worrying secret: She is the victim of a stalker.
Although Jessica is convinced her stalker is no longer able to find her, she is soon in for a shock. As strange as it seems, the man has tracked her down and is stood outside the property, demanding to speak with her.
Produced, directed, and co-written by Pete Ohs, Jethica stars Callie Hernandez, Ashley Denise Robinson, Andy Faulkner, and Will Madden. The movie is a slow-burning horror-drama, which looks at issues surrounding attachment, and is an interesting piece which has some good ideas and some beautiful shots.
It won’t be for everyone I am afraid, and I expect some audiences may check out early doors, but I believe those who stick with it will find something to like. The film’s most notable short-coming is its budget, which does hamper the production in places, but if you can ignore the lack of cash, then there is certainly something of value here.
I say this because director Pete Ohs knows his way around the camera. Ohs has many jobs on this film, including editor and cinematographer, and some of his shots and compositions are stunning.
From a visual standpoint alone, Jethica has much to offer because Ohs has pieced this film together with a keen eye. He has thought about the landscape, the characters, and everything in between, and has slotted it altogether rather neatly.
Where the film falls short is mostly to do with the money side of things, and this is a shame. But talent isn’t scuppered by low investment, as it shines through regardless, so that’s what should be the focus here.
In terms of the story, the script for Jethica works fine for the length of the film, and while the movie’s twists and turns don’t come as any major surprise, they all play out OK. The film also benefits from a good score by John Bowers, which suits the themes and mood of the picture, and the core cast do a fine job.
Incidentally, the four main cast members (Hernandez, Robinson, Faulkner, and Madden) are also co-writers on this movie, so you can see how low budget this film is. Everyone seems to be pulling double-duties on Jethica, and if nothing else, it demonstrates how invested everyone is in making it work.
Where the film struggles a bit is during its initial set-up, which is a little slow to get off the ground, and during a couple of scenes which perhaps run on a little longer than necessary. I also can’t help but feel this film would work better in black-and-white, rather than colour, although this is more of a side thought than an actual criticism.
To reiterate what I said earlier, this film won’t work for everyone, and some may find its limitations ultimately too limiting, but there is definitely something here. The movie has the nuts and bots needed for a good picture, and producer, director, editor, cinematographer, co-writer (and possibly caterer), Ohs does his best with what he’s got.
If low-budget horror is your thing, then take a look.
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