Opening with a disturbing 2-minute sequence in which a barefoot blonde runs for her life through a field of grass, Ash and Bone takes that fresh kill and applies it to everything that follows, proving to be one hell of a ride through independent cinema.
Directed by Harley Wallen and written by Bret Miller, Ash and Bone begins and ends with rebellion on its mind. It concerns itself with the plight of Cassie (a very believable Angelina Danielle Cama) as her father (Wallen) introduces her to her new Step-Mother (Kaiti Wallen) and spends some much-needed quality time with them to bond over. After all, this is probably what the self-destructive Cassie needs, right?
But this small town is not like others. Scenic countryside for miles, it has. It also has its fair share of secrets that the most well-known family in the town is trying to keep hidden. Cassie, full of teenage angst and alienation, has had it up to here with these normies, though. She takes it upon herself to explore the secret buried here for a generation.
And, with one step into the remote farmhouse buried deep in the woods, she risks everyone’s lives! Cassie should have known better than to push the boundaries in this small town.
Co-starring Mel Novak, Jimmy Doom, and Erika Hoveland, the rural escape turns into a nightmare all too soon. Ash and Bone is both psychological and brutal as the country denizens turn tables on the cityfolk with the exploration of one of the most famous haunted houses on the outskirts of town.
Simple premise, right? But the horror which cascades down upon the heads of all involved - including Cassie’s newly found friends - is not so easy to swallow. Ash and Bone teases a whole lot of violence as it explores local legends with a ferociousness in its atmosphere and form which is to be commended. As a result, the McKinnley House is not soon forgotten. Nor, is what goes down inside its twisted hallways.
But just wait until you see what crawls out.
Doom and Hoveland are The McKinnleys and their combined performances are both sick and twisted, leaving audiences with a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach as there is some sexual undertones in this brother and sister relationship. While the film is not as violent as it could have been, the restraint shown here is due in service to the story itself, which strikes an unexpected psychological vein in its journey to its EUREKA! moment.
Cassie, as the rebellious teenager, must learn to actually give a fuck and, perhaps, it is when The McKinnleys pay her and her parents a visit that she demonstrates the much needed compassion toward them. But is it too little too late?
Ash and Bone, a twist on the home invasion subgenre of horror, is now streaming.
MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime:
Director: Harley Wallen
Writer: Bret Miller
Cast: Jamie Bernadette; Angelina Danielle Cama; Harley Wallen
Genre: Horror | Mystery
Tagline: A film by Harley Wallen
Memorable Movie Quote:
Theatrical Distributor: Deskpop Entertainment
Official Site:
Release Date: October 14, 2022
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: The story follows a rebellious teen named Cassie Vanderbilt, whose wild streak escalates as her caring father Lucas decides to take her and his new wife Sarah out of the city for some bonding and quality time together. But after Cassie crosses the infamous McKinley family, it becomes clear that sometimes danger lies hidden in the weeds, ready to strike at any moment.
