When I first heard that my friend was going to make a low-budget independent film, I considered it to be a dubious undertaking. I had several opportunities to play a more active role in the making of the film but was way too busy trying to make ends meet.
Now that the film is finished and looking so good, I wish I had been there for more of the filming (perhaps even speaking some lines as one of the lesser characters).
The opening credit scenery and accompanying soundtrack simply blew me away when I first watched it. I suddenly thought I was watching some multimillion-dollar-budget production. Despite having read the script before seeing the film, I was on the edge of my seat as the mystery unfolded; the screenplay was much more interesting, entertaining and engaging when the actors, sets and soundtrack were added to it. The only faults I can find with this film are occasional technical glitches (these are simply unavoidable when the operating budget is so small).
Sets, scenery, cinematography, acting, soundtrack, direction, plot, effects, and overall feel turned out to be far better than I expected. I simply can not wait for the sequel!
In the interest of full disclosure, I appeared in this film (for a total of 5 seconds as "Police Chief Lewis" and "Cult Member"). I also worked as the "Grass Fluffer" in one scene and helped with two of the special effects (both of which made me scream when I first saw them in the final production). Additionally, my property was used for some of the scenes (there is still a hole in the ground in my front yard and fake blood on my pitchfork).