2022 SCREAMFEST REVIEW!
A hardworking and generous priest, Father David (Graham Skipper), invites a struggling couple into his home. They have nowhere to go, nothing to eat, and it’s Christmas time. But as Terry (Jeremy Gardner) and Lexi (Taylor Zaudtke) begin to intrude on his simple life, it will take a lot to remain positive and allow them to continue living with him. The Leech tells a story of perseverance, struggle, and compassion.
The Leech is one of the most frustrating films that I’ve ever seen–and I believe that’s exactly what Writer-Director Eric Pennycoff wanted. I think he wants his viewers to feel uncomfortable throughout the duration of the film, and he wants them to understand exactly what Father David would have been experiencing when dealing with Terry and Lexi. This aspect of the narrative and the tone work wonders for the film, and they invite viewers into Father David’s story, allowing them to understand every nuance of his emotions throughout. On the other end of the narrative and tonal spectrums is the aspect of horror and thrill. There are often times when viewers believe that The Leech will shift into a full-blown horror flick, that someone isn’t just what they seem–but that never really materializes into anything. That leaf is never turned, and that’s not good for the film.
If you’re tuning in Screamfest in any capacity, there’s a good chance that you’re looking for a horror-type film, and while I suppose elements of the genre exist within The Leech, it’s not nearly as much as it needed to be truly successful. I wanted more from this, because all signs point in this direction–but it never comes to be. From the score to the lighting, I was convinced this is what would eventually happen, but it never did, and that’s the most disappointing aspect of the entire film.
Skipper, Gardner, and Zaudtke are tasked with bringing these conflicting sentiments to life. They must harness the darkness that exists throughout, and they must find ways to create some sort of balance through comedy. Their comedy is incredibly subtle, and that’s intentional. They play off of one another with great poise, and they help to bring this story to life with what appears to be ease. Due to the fact that the previously mentioned aspect of the film is disappointing, The Leech ultimately relies heavily on the acting to drive it forward. The three in charge of guiding the film do a fantastic job, and they employ a strange, but effective combination of comedy and intensity throughout the film as I believe Pennycoff would have wanted.
I needed so much more from The Leech in terms of horror, but that never amounted to anything, never really having any bearing on the film as a whole. Viewers are teased throughout, and they are made to believe, intentionally or not, that this shift in tone was inevitable–but it never came. However, I very much enjoy the journey through Father David’s story–each and every one of its components from the score to the dialogue intrigue, and that’s a huge win.
Written & Directed by Eric Pennycoff.
Starring Graham Skipper, Jeremy Gardner, Taylor Zaudtke, Rigo Garay, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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