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Cast: Fiona Glascott (RESIDENT EVIL, APARTMENT 143), Federico Castelluccio (HBO's The Sporanos), Pietro Ragusa (THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU), and Bianca Nappi (HOUSE OF SHADOWS)
Megan, a successful Irish artist living in Dublin with her husband, an Italian architect. After receiving news that her husband's uncle has died, the couple travels to Apulia, in southern Italy, to handle Leo’s unexpected inheritance: the family's ancient palace. Left alone at home during the hottest hours of the summer afternoon, Megan is disturbed by mysterious presences. While trying to understand what's happening, Megan begins to find clues scattered throughout the palace, unraveling an unsolved mystery linked to her husband's family.
"Midday Demons" is a re-edited version of the film which was then titled, House of Shadows and Controra which was released back in 2013.
It tells the story of Megan who is a very successful Irish artist living in Dublin with her husband Leo. When Leo receives bad news that his uncle, Monsignor Domenico, a priest whose death has prompted a campaign for his sainthood, the couple travels to Apulia, Italy so Leo can handle the inheritance of the old family home. Leo's plan was to sell the place to his brother who is the town Priest and head back to Dublin but his wife, Megan gets taken it by the place and the city's ancient beauty so they decide to stay the summer.
As Leo catches up with old friends Megan is left alone for hours during the hottest time of the year but things quickly turn as she starts to have strange dreams and visions. When she begins doing her own investigation into what happened to Monsignor Domenico she meets resistance from those who want to keep the past buried.
I have not seen the film in its original version but I do know that there was nudity edited out for this version of the film but I cannot say what else was. 'Midday Demons" is an old fashion supernatural horror that doesn't rely on lots of blood or jump scares to thrill the audience. Instead the film offers up its own scares and plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep the audience engaged in its story and it also uses a good amount of characters as well so there is a lot at play here.
One of the first things I noticed about the film was how beautiful it was with all the old buildings and streets. The estate too is both old and rustic and it becomes a character all by itself. The film is good for a number of reasons but I think the cast is the main reason because each and everyone in the film was amazing including the two leads, Pietro Ragusa who plays Leo and Fiona Glascott who really shines as the beautiful Megan.
This is one of those film's that kept me glued to the screen, waiting and wanting to know more. The film does a great job of holding on to its secrets until the last 20 minutes which is when it decides to slowly unveil what the family has hidden away for so long.
If you are looking for blood and guts look elsewhere but if you like a good mystery that blends in perfect with a bit of the supernatural then this is the film for you. 1844 Entertainment and will release MIDDAY DEMONS on November 12th.
Released by 1844 Entertainment
**** Out Of *****
MIDDAY DEMONS Trailer from 102 Distribution on Vimeo.