Well GO USA
VOD Release Date: Dec 3, 2024
Being a Sheriff isn’t easy. And when the Ghosts of Red Ridge visit Dunlap (Owen Williams) every night, the big question he has is who are they, what do they want, and why him? This gentle supernatural thriller takes place in the Old West, and although it moves slowly at first, I’m enjoying the character interactions. There’s something wild and woolly which makes this film by Stefan Colson (director) and Brandon Cahela (writer) feel like a spaghetti western.
A few conventions exist, like the stock music and familiarly garbed good guy and bad guy. The only difference here is that ghosts are involved and are tinged in blueish grey. Also, they look like they were from The Ring! In this movie, they behave differently, and are mostly appearing to one individual. Since day one, he’s questioning his sanity since he doesn’t understand what they want, and why him? I couldn’t help but be reminded of Ghost Wars because both towns look like they are trapped in Limbo.
The little things that happen have a few folks ask what in tarnation is going on? One scene I loved is when Dunlap asks the preacher if he believes in things that go bump in the night? And when this person of the cloth does not answer with a passage from the Bible or Shakespeare, good things are in store. I rather enjoyed how the screenplay wants to keep what’s to happen next truly mysterious.
Although some rough patches exist to get the action going, once that first ghost appeared, I was hooked! After that, I wondered if they would help or not, and I’m glad the finale took an unconventional approach. Some action takes place during high noon than the dead of night! For the most part, the supernatural aspects are well-executed.
Although I was surprised, these town residents can wax philosophy at the local saloon! After the bandits took over the town, not everyone left. Some elect to stay and hope the law can deal with them. However, the big problem lies in the sheriff needing to figure out who the ringleaders are. And for Dunlap to maintain order is difficult. The help he gets from unexpected sources makes up why I’m attracted to this work. Maybe the town has been steeped in blood for far too long, and as for who finally gets their comeuppance, the ending delivered everything I hoped for. It perfectly captures the essence of a proper Weird West tale without going too crazy in the fantastic!
3½ Stars out of 5
Ghosts of Red Ridge Trailer
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