Grace

Released: 2009

Reviewed: 11.21.09
Star rating: 2 out of 5

Jordan Ladd (Madeline), Stephen Park (Michael), Gabrielle Rose (Vivian), Serge Houde (Henry), Samantha Ferris (Patricia), Kate Herriot (Shelly), Malcolm Stewart (Dr. Sohn), Tenai Measmer and Annabel Bast (Grace).

Madeline is involved in an accident that kills the fetus she is carrying. Rather than having it removed she decides to have the baby stillborn. But when the time comes the baby is alive, and hungry. But this baby doesn't want milk, it wants blood.

This one starts off slow with character development then shifts into the plot which never seems to develop very well. The story is a bit freaky and definitely has a horror element but there is a lot left unexplained. We never really find out exactly why Grace comes to life after being stillborn or why she craves blood. Madeline's relationship with Patricia is never explained, nor is the animosity or strange behavior of her mother-in-law, Vivian. It felt like the film depended on the gore and disturbing plot concept to tell the story rather than acting, plot development, or simple explanation. After a while the film stalls and just becomes redundant which is also about the time we realize the entire story could have been told with the same impact in under 30 minutes.

Acting by Ladd was interesting if not good. Stewart wasn't bad but most everyone else was seriously lacking in this one. They seemed to be either inexperienced or truly clueless about their roles.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were simplistic and minimal giving the impression of a somewhat low budget film. Sound and dialogue were acceptable but could have done a lot more for the film.

Overall the plot concept was very good but the film lacked any kind of energy or tangible direction. From the reaction of my female co-viewer I would say women will feel a much stronger impact with this one than men. Plenty of blood and gore, some violence and sexual content so save this for older teens and above.