Pale Horse, the latest horror film released by BayView Entertainment LLC, is a unique addition to the genre, blending art, love, and dark magic into a chilling and surreal experience. Directed by the late Pearry Reginald Teo, Pale Horse is a film that feels like a fever dream, reminiscent of something you might stumble upon late at night on Cinemax or the USA Network in the late 90s—a peculiar, one-time viewing that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
The film follows Sabian Maynes, played by Perish Dignam, a mysterious artist who takes over an art gallery basement for his personal studio. Dignam’s portrayal of Sabian is captivating, with a presence that demands attention whenever he’s on screen. He carries himself with the eerie charisma of a character like Julian Sands in Warlock, and his visual aesthetic often evokes the image of a performer ready to take the stage with Powerman 5000. Dignam’s performance is both unsettling and intriguing, making Sabian a character you can’t look away from.
The story itself is a gothic tale of love, art, and the supernatural. Sabian’s relationship with the vodou spirit Erzulie Freda, which he has cultivated through blood rituals and black magic, is at the heart of the film. The tension between his growing love for Eve, played by Taylor Plecity, and his allegiance to the dark spirit drives the narrative forward, leading to a series of terrifying and surreal events that consume both their lives.
Eileen Dietz, nearly unrecognizable in her role, delivers one of the film’s standout performances. As a supporting character, she brings an Anna Wintour-like intensity to her role, adding to the film’s already eerie atmosphere. Jimbo Barnett’s Douglas Greenwood also deserves mention, providing a decent and visually engaging performance, even if he doesn’t quite reach the same level of creepiness as Sabian.
The film is not without its flaws. The audio can be inconsistent, with moments where the dialogue is either too loud or too soft, making it challenging to follow at times. The narrative, while intriguing, becomes a bit muddled in the middle, and the story’s complexity might leave some viewers feeling lost. However, the film's atmospheric direction and strong performances ensure that everything comes together in the end, leaving a lasting impact.
Pale Horse excels in its ability to create an atmosphere of unease. The soundtrack and score contribute to the film’s odd and unsettling vibe, wrapping the viewer in a non-removable coat of discomfort from start to finish. The computer graphics and practical effects, while not groundbreaking, are impressive for a low-budget film, adding to the overall experience.
While Pale Horse may not be conventionally scary, it offers plenty of horrifying imagery and genuinely frightening moments. It’s more uncomfortable than terrifying, but that discomfort is where the film finds its strength. Fans of psychotronic fare and those looking for something different in the horror genre will likely find Pale Horse to be a memorable, if unsettling, experience.
In what is Pearry Reginald Teo’s final film, Pale Horse cements his legacy as a filmmaker with a distinct voice. It’s a loss to the genre that we won’t see more from him, as this film shows he was just beginning to understand and hone his craft truly.
Jessie Hobson