‘Welcome to the family’
Torment is a 2013 Canadian thriller horror film directed by Jordan Barker. The film had its world premiere on October 11, 2013 at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival. It stars Katharine Isabelle (American Mary; 13 Eerie) as a woman who must try to save her step-son from an insane family. In the U.S., Phase 4 Films will be releasing Torment onto VOD on June 10th.
Plot teaser:
Sarah (Katharine Isabelle) and Cory (Robin Dunne) have decided to go on vacation, taking Cory’s young son Liam with them. They’re hoping that the vacation will help ease some of the issues that Cory has with Sarah, as he resents that his widowed father remarried. The destination seems idea, a luxurious house in the middle of an idyllic wilderness, but upon their arrival they discover that someone has been living in the house. The local sheriff assures them that the intruders have probably moved on, but this soon proves to be false as Liam goes missing that same night. Sarah and Cory now have to try to fight an insane family for not only Liam, but also their very lives…
Reviews:
” … what Torment lacks in scintillating plot originality it makes up for in solid performances (Robin Dunne and Katherine Isabelle provide strong work, plus Stephen McHattie pops up for a few scenes, and he’s always the man), a professional sheen, and — most importantly — a fast-moving and consistently well-edited narrative that moves forward so expeditiously you’ll barely mind dealing with some familiar stuff. If a home invasion/slasher story can be called “enjoyably old-fashioned,” then this flick certainly qualifies.” Scott Weinberg, FEARnet
“The atmosphere alone was chilling and through subtle flowing plot twists you have yourself a film that you will not forget anytime soon.” Ross Wilcock, Slasher Studios
“The Strangers may also come to mind, but here’s where the film differs greatly from that one – the killers have a motive and explain why they are targeting this guy. It’s not a terrible concept, but unfortunately the villain speaks with a voice not unlike Bane’s fromThe Dark Knight Rises, and thus it’s almost impossible to keep up that level of tension when I keep having the instinct to burst out laughing. I’m sure the thinking was that it would be creepy and unsettling, but it’s just kind of goofy…” Horror Movie a Day
