Kier-La Janisse's Haunting Christmas Tale: "The Occupant of the Room" Review
If you're looking for a traditional holiday cheer, then Kier-La Janisse's latest film, "The Occupant of the Room," is not for you. But if chilling dread and unease are more your speed, then this new installment of Shudder's "Haunted Season" series is a must-watch.
Janisse's expertly crafted tale is based on Algernon Blackwood's 1909 short story of the same name, but with a setting shifted to the early 1930s. The film tells the story of a weary traveler (played by Don McKellar) who arrives at an isolated mountain inn during a snowstorm only to discover that all the rooms are full due to Christmas Eve festivities. Desperate for lodging, he accepts an offer from the proprietress with a catch: a room that's been temporarily occupied by another guest who has yet to return.
As the man settles into his new quarters, he begins to experience a sense of unease and disquiet, much like the eerie atmosphere Janisse so masterfully captures in "The Occupant of the Room." With its period setting and atmospheric score, this 30-minute film is a chilling descent into psychological terror that will leave you questioning what's real and what's just your imagination.
One of the standout aspects of "The Occupant of the Room" is its ability to evoke the bleak, grim atmosphere often seen in classic BBC episodes of "A Ghost Story for Christmas." Janisse's expertise in editing and filmmaking shines through as she skillfully weaves together live-action and animation to create a sense of unease that permeates every scene.
Janisse has clearly done her research into the genre, incorporating themes of isolation, loneliness, and the unsettling feeling of being an outsider. Her attention to detail also extends to the production design, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws you in and refuses to let go.
If you're a fan of atmospheric horror or just looking for something to send chills down your spine during the holiday season, "The Occupant of the Room" is a must-watch. But be warned: this film is not for those seeking traditional holiday cheer. Instead, it's a haunting and unsettling tale that will leave you feeling uneasy and disturbed long after the credits roll.
"The Occupant of the Room" is now available on Shudder, along with other great entries in the "Haunted Season" series and classic BBC episodes of "A Ghost Story for Christmas." So if you're ready to experience some holiday horror, then dive right in.
If you're looking for a traditional holiday cheer, then Kier-La Janisse's latest film, "The Occupant of the Room," is not for you. But if chilling dread and unease are more your speed, then this new installment of Shudder's "Haunted Season" series is a must-watch.
Janisse's expertly crafted tale is based on Algernon Blackwood's 1909 short story of the same name, but with a setting shifted to the early 1930s. The film tells the story of a weary traveler (played by Don McKellar) who arrives at an isolated mountain inn during a snowstorm only to discover that all the rooms are full due to Christmas Eve festivities. Desperate for lodging, he accepts an offer from the proprietress with a catch: a room that's been temporarily occupied by another guest who has yet to return.
As the man settles into his new quarters, he begins to experience a sense of unease and disquiet, much like the eerie atmosphere Janisse so masterfully captures in "The Occupant of the Room." With its period setting and atmospheric score, this 30-minute film is a chilling descent into psychological terror that will leave you questioning what's real and what's just your imagination.
One of the standout aspects of "The Occupant of the Room" is its ability to evoke the bleak, grim atmosphere often seen in classic BBC episodes of "A Ghost Story for Christmas." Janisse's expertise in editing and filmmaking shines through as she skillfully weaves together live-action and animation to create a sense of unease that permeates every scene.
Janisse has clearly done her research into the genre, incorporating themes of isolation, loneliness, and the unsettling feeling of being an outsider. Her attention to detail also extends to the production design, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws you in and refuses to let go.
If you're a fan of atmospheric horror or just looking for something to send chills down your spine during the holiday season, "The Occupant of the Room" is a must-watch. But be warned: this film is not for those seeking traditional holiday cheer. Instead, it's a haunting and unsettling tale that will leave you feeling uneasy and disturbed long after the credits roll.
"The Occupant of the Room" is now available on Shudder, along with other great entries in the "Haunted Season" series and classic BBC episodes of "A Ghost Story for Christmas." So if you're ready to experience some holiday horror, then dive right in.
It's like, perfect for the Halloween season but also, idk, perfect for any time of year? 
The atmosphere is soooo creepy and I love how she weaves together live-action and animation to create this sense of unease. And Don McKellar as the protagonist is, like, SO GOOD!!! 
I'm totally rewatching it tonight and I'll probably be up all night thinking about what's real and what's just my imagination 
Can't wait for more from Shudder's "Haunted Season" series! 
️ it's like nothing i've ever seen before... the atmosphere is so creepy and unsettling it'll give you major goosebumps! kier-la janisse is a genius at crafting these kinds of stories that play with your mind and make u question what's real 
don't watch this if ur looking for a feel good holiday movie tho, its not that kinda vibe... but if u wanna experience some serious chill factor then "The Occupant of the Room" is def worth a watch 
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I just watched this film and I'm still shivering... it's not exactly what you'd call a feel-good Christmas movie 
. The atmosphere is so creepy and unsettling, it's like being trapped in that inn with the weary traveler 
. Kier-La Janisse has done an amazing job of crafting a story that'll keep you on edge from start to finish 
. It's like a slow-burning fire that builds up to this terrifying climax... Interesting 
. If you're looking for something to chill your bones this holiday season, this film is a MUST WATCH 
. If you're looking for something that'll leave you feeling uneasy and disturbed (in a good way, of course 
), then this is the perfect film for you! 