Every once and a while you get someone who takes a chance and does something different with a genre that is either out of favor or is just plain tired. Exhumed is a great example of the use of minimalistic sets and scenery but it gets the maximum value from them. Almost the entire film is shot in this big creepy house. The house is populated by a truly diverse cast of characters each bringing their own subtle and sometimes not so subtle nuances to the story. The film revolves around the extremely weird dynamic of the residents of this particular house. Starting with the Butler and the Governess played to the nines by Debbie Rochon and Michael Thurber. For me this was my first experience getting to see Michael work on such a substantial character and I have to say that he and Debbie are the anchor that keeps the story in place. The rest of the cast is played brilliantly by Sarah Nicklin as Laura a somewhat off kilter person that isn't necessarily grounded in reality. Next is Evalena Marie who plays Rocki, who is a little rebellious, uninhibited and is the boundless energy of the group. Next is Richard Tretheway as Lance who may have been something else at one time but is now just burned out on life. Finally the group is rounded off by Michael Reed as Chris, a college kid renting the room to get off campus. His character is the most normal of the group and he hits it off with Laura, who is smitten with him. This puts him in direct conflict with the Governess who has a love/hate relationship with Laura. As the film progresses the group falls deeper and deeper into darkness. This film is a treat to see as it was a beautiful character study and at the same time so compelling. For Michael and Sarah it was probably my favorite performances of both actors and it also introduced me to Evalena's skills. One of the best parts of the film is that it is shot entirely in black and white and I can not emphasize enough on how great this sets the mood of the entire film. This is something other film makers would be advised to take a look at since this can take and change the tone of your film instantly. Well shot and again an excellent directing job by Richard Griffin along with Guy Benoit's top notch script this film is worth seeing in the theater if you are lucky enough to get to a screening or at least definitely worth buying when it comes out on DVD.
