New Lovecraftian Film "Chill" Due in November

According to Dread Central, Lionsgate is set to do a direct-to-DVD release of the ostensibly Lovecraftian movie "Chill" on November 4th, 2008. It's currently being wrapped up by director Serge Rodnunsky. And so begins the familiar process of awaiting another Lovecraftian film to determine whether it will be a fresh wind, or a failure as foul as Innsmouth's shore. Based on the plot description available from the film's Myspace page, it doesn't look very promising as a faithful Lovecraftian work, but may yet turn out a decent horror movie.

In this classic retro horror thriller, Sam (Thomas Calabro, "Melrose Place"), an aspiring writer, takes a job in an L.A. inner city grocery market owned by the sinister Dr. Munoz, who claims to have a rare skin condition that forces him to live in sub-freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, Sam befriends an attractive neighborhood boutique owner Maria (Ashley Laurence, "Hellraiser"), and is unwittingly entwined in a threatening love triangle when she reveals that Detective Defazio (James Russo, "Donnie Brasco"), who is investigating the recent disappearance of two local prostitutes, is stalking her.

But it's what Sam doesn't know that might prove more fatal. A darker, diabolical secret lurks behind the freezer walls of his newfound employment. Could Munoz really be keeping himself alive through occult measures and the flesh that he harvests from his kidnapped victims? Time is running out. Sam is now captive in this house of horrors. He must escape and save his own hide – literally, before the next fall of Munoz's razor-edged blades. Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's spine tingling tale of the macabre, “Cool Air”.

Dr. Munoz, the kindly and mysterious Spanish gentleman from HPL's "Cool Air" wielding blades to extract flesh for prolonging his life? House of horrors? It sounds like this film tries to amalgamate too much, probably unsuccessfully. Rather than Lovecraft, it sounds like the "Saw" movies and ubiquitous slashers are a much more likely influence on "Chill." Somehow, I suspect the "modernization" (i.e. bastardization) of H.P. Lovecraft's literary heritage continues. Those who awaited and then suffered through the movie "Beyond the Wall of Sleep" a few years ago can't help but see parallels with the impending arrival of "Chill."

Frankly, I hope I'm completely wrong and that "Chill" startles us all. Though at this point, it doesn't look likely. At the same time, it may make a surprisingly good horror film, but not a good Lovecraft film. Those seeking a faithful adaption of "Cool Air" should watch Lurker Film's version released several years ago. It's an hour long black and white production that tastefully follows HPL's story without wild divergences.

-Grim Blogger