Hannah Grace Possession - A chilling psychological thriller, revisiting and modernizing common horror tropes through its compelling characters.
In the world of horror cinema, Dutch writer-director Diederik van Rooijen has made a name for himself with his latest film, "The Possession of Hannah Grace". The production, produced by Broken Road Productions, draws from and updates classic horror themes, offering audiences a memorable, visceral moviegoing experience.
Van Rooijen, who had never made a full-fledged horror film before, was chosen to helm the project due to his understanding of character and performance and his ability to craft cinematic scares. His background in crime-thrillers and suspense, including Dutch-language features Taped (2012) and Daylight (2013), proved to be a valuable asset. As a child, van Rooijen grew up watching horror classics like The Shining, Halloween, and Hellraiser, and his passion for the genre shines through in "The Possession of Hannah Grace".
The film's premise was inspired by an article about someone doing community service in a morgue. Screenwriter Brian Sieve was inspired by the concept of being trapped in a morgue alone overnight. To add an authentic touch, the short film was shot inside a morgue in Amsterdam. Sieve's research included watching documentaries about Emergency Medical Technicians and interviewing experts at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner's office.
The story revolves around a woman named Megan Reed (played by Shay Mitchell), an ex-cop who works the graveyard shift at a Boston hospital morgue. One night, she takes delivery of a disfigured body and begins to experience visions. The disfigured body is believed to be possessed by a ruthless demonic force.
The film's tone and horror elements were inspired by films like The Shining, Rosemary's Baby, Repulsion, The Fly, and Alien. Van Rooijen wanted to capture the loneliness and the slow passage of time in a morgue setting, as well as the fear and the scares. He achieved this through the use of movement, sound design, and the claustrophobia of the setting to amplify the tension inherent in the nail-biting premise.
Producer Garner was impressed by van Rooijen's passion for the material and his ability to create an atmospheric film. Van Rooijen hopes that "The Possession of Hannah Grace" will offer audiences a memorable, visceral moviegoing experience and will have them leaping out of their seats.
In conclusion, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" is a psychological thriller with supernatural elements that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its balance between the supernatural, the macabre, and real life, as well as its nods to classic horror films, it is a must-see for horror fans and newcomers alike.
