European folklore entwines with family melodrama in Elizabeta Vidovic and Kathryn Michelle’s claustrophobic horror The Accursed, which is absolutely not about gypsies or witchcraft. Except it is, and though neither of these things is referred to directly at any point, they are key elements to the story.
The opening credits refer to sisterly clans in The Balkans, three women who have control over the elements. One such clan, now in America, falls apart when Hana is caught cheating with Aishe’s man. In a struggle, Aishe is killed but not before she can utter a curse intended to wipe out Hana’s bloodline.
Fast forward a decade or two and Hana’s son is getting married. And despite Hana and her sister Naida’s best efforts, the curse is finally close to being fulfilled.
The Accursed is all about mood; a brooding, oppressive atmosphere that ebbs and flows throughout. Strong, yet subdued, performances add realism to character interactions as each slowly become aware of a looming threat, something spiritually malevolent and murderous stalking them.
All crucial, as there is a distinct lack of clarity to the narrative at times. Everything takes place over a couple of days, and the terms of the curse are clear enough, but there are languid moments throughout that while encouraging the viewer to think of witchcraft do little in advancing the plot. This may well be intentional, to develop that aura of murky mysticism, but serves to slow down a tale that is already meandering.
The Accursed is an impressive, at times unsettling watch, but lacks any moments of real terror to elevate it into something memorable.
The Accursed is released on DVD and digital on February 14th.
