Tags:
Film: The Hem
Year: 2025
Director: Tyler Russell
Writer: Tyler Russell
Starring: Jeni Robbins, Rani Alowairdi and Savannah Rae Collins
Review:
This was a film that I got the chance to see thanks to joining the Dread Broadcast. The writer/director was joining so we had the opportunity to screen his new film. I wanted to be prepared so I gave it a watch. It also helps to add independent films to my end of year watch list. Other than knowing this information, I did come into this one blind.
Synopsis: a documentary crew investigates a haunted church on the verge of collapse with one condition: they must be out by dark.
We start this off at a parade. This is taking place in Fort Worth, Texas. There is a documentary film team covering this. Their main interviewer is Gabrielle (Jeni Robins). The cameraman is Micah (Rani Alowairdi) and their production assistant is Ann (Savannah Rae Collins). They are going around asking about a church located on the south side of the city, Rose Chapel or the South Side Church. This upsets most of the people. They are still able to get a little information.
What they’re asking about is Isabella Rose and the tragedy that befall her. She was a dressmaker who died in a fire. It sounds like she has a dress workshop in that building. We then see Jean Westfall (Terri Merritt Bennett) interviewed in her bar. She becomes upset by the line of questions and something happens, causing lights to pop. This spooks everyone involved.
Our team then goes to a location where they meet Hudson (Torren Davis). He’s going to show them around the church. The problem is that he shows up late. He’s rude and he is rushing them. The reason is that he doesn’t want to be here after dark. The team goes about shooting footage of this rundown place. Ann becomes upset and scared. She wants to leave. Gabi is determined to keep going. This becomes a nightmare as they try to escape with their lives.
Then there’s another element here. The police have recovered their footage and they’re turning it over to the state. Monty (George Hardy) is still trying to make sense of that night. Cameron (Judd Lormand) wants him to give it up. When we see how they’re connected, it makes sense why he just can’t seem to do that.
That is where I’ll leave my recap and introduction to the characters. Where I’ll start is that this is a smart way to get a film made. What I haven’t included is that this is shot in the style of found footage. That makes it easier since you don’t need much money to get this made. This also takes place in an abandoned church like it is, there isn’t a need for a lot of characters either. That feels real since this documentary crew is also working with a low budget. These make for a good set up within their means.
The film feels generic, which is its biggest flaw. The dressmaker and her spirit wearing her outfits is creepy. I appreciate the use of the full frame and background details. The filmmaking, including cinematography, framing, practical effects, and sound design, effectively creates a realistic, atmospheric found footage experience. It is interesting that from the conversation with the director, the only regret seems to be not going more into scares.
I will circle back to the story and just say that I did get slightly confused. In order to get to this section of the building there is a shuttered door. It slams shut and they can’t get out. What confused me was that I wasn’t sure who was stuck on what side completely. Not a huge gripe because I just roll with what is happening. The other thing is with the two police officers. I know that Monty is bothered by the events. What happens at the end though didn’t necessarily make complete sense. I do acknowledge that I might have just missed something.
All that is left then would be the acting performances. What I’ll say here is that no one is great, but they don’t need to be. What they do is feel real. I like Robins, Alowairdi and Collins as this documentary crew. It is interesting that Gabi becomes determined to see all the rooms and floors. Ann gets terrified. They also add an element where we know Micah has a family so it raised tension for me. Davis plays this jerk well who is their tour guide. I also don’t mind Lormand and Hardy. The acting fits what was needed.
In conclusion, this is a found-footage film that effectively leverages its low-budget constraints to create a believable, tense atmosphere within a haunted church setting. While the narrative occasionally veers into generic territory and some plot points might cause minor confusion, the strong practical effects, sound design, and authentic performances from the cast elevate the experience. Despite minor narrative fumbles, the film successfully delivers a creepy and engaging independent horror experience.
My Rating: 6 out of 10