Courtesy: Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz
Much has been said and written concerning the recently released supernatural horror/thriller, 6 Souls (Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz), most of it not so nice. The reality of 6 Souls is that it isn’t as bad as so many critics and audiences would have others believe. It clocks in at nearly two hours. In that time, it manages to keep those looking for a good scare fully engaged. It will leave those audiences wondering what’s going to happen right to the final climactic reveal. That final reveal conjures thoughts of a certain episode of Rod Serling’s classic, The Twilight Zone. There are those that have also criticized this story for being allegedly somewhat preachy in its raising of theological beliefs. Those that did so perhaps didn’t watch the story all the way through to realize the actual importance of this aspect of the story. It is in reality just part of the writing that makes this a movie from which audiences won’t want to turn away.
Writer Michael Cooney has been lambasted by many audiences and critics alike for having used religion and theology as part of the story that is 6 Souls. One can’t help but wonder if those that criticized the inclusion of these elements were able to see this story for what it was or if they even took the time to watch the entire near two-hour story. The inclusion of religion and theology was not meant in the least to be preachy. In fact, the use of these elements eventually led up to what was the twist in the story’s climax that few if any saw coming. That twist won’t be revealed for the sake of those that haven’t yet seen this gripping supernatural and psychological horror/thriller. However, those that actually did take the time to watch through to the climax and beyond would hopefully realize why the constant mentions of faith versus atheism come into play. Cooney had absolutely no intention of shoving religion down anyone’s throat. Maybe a second watch will do those critics some good in getting them to realize this.
Having responded to those that would criticize 6 Souls, the next obvious path to take would be to take note of the influences of so many other TV shows and movies. Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ portrayal of Adam/David/Wesley is in itself proof of another famed movie villain. Some might not see it. But those that watch his performance closely will see hints of Sir Anthony Hopkins’ infamous killer, Hannibal Lecter, just in his general delivery. There is something about his demeanor that shows an influence from Hopkins here. In terms of the overall story, those that remember Rod Serling’s original baclk and white Twilight Zone, they might remember an episode by the name of “Queen of the Nile.” For the sake of not spoiling anything, audiences can look up that episode for themselves. But the story’s reveal here instantly harkens back to that episode. The even deeper concept behind the reveal hints back to a more recent horror movie from the 1990s starring one John Goodman. Again, audiences will have to look that up as this critic will not share that movie for the sake of not spoiling anything. There are other influences tossed in here and there. And as much as people would like to criticize the story for being “disrespectful” to its influences and audiences (as one critic stated of it), it does pay due respects by making those influences work together for a story that will keep viewers watching on the edge of their seats and guessing what will happen next. And in the end, isn’t that what any thriller and/or horror movie is supposed to do? Isn’t it supposed to make viewers surprised at how it can make them jump at the slightest sound and question what they thought they knew? That’s exactly what this underrated horror story does. For that, it deserves more than just a passing glance. For an indie horror flick, it’s a movie that is more than just a “Saturday night scare” as another critic called it. It’s a movie that audiences will find themselves surprised at how much they really enjoy it, given the chance. It is available now in stores and online and can be ordered online direct from the Anchor Bay Entertainment online store at http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com/detail.aspx?projectID=e56e9d05-d4c7-4471-a321-d9cf28e17061. After ordering or buying 6 Souls, audiences can keep up with the latest news from Anchor Bay Entertainment on its official website, http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com and its official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/anchorbay.
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