Watch Almost Human

In the 2013 film Almost Human, directed by Joe Begos, an intense opening sequence sets the mood for the rest of the movie. Seth (played by Graham Skipper) watches helplessly as his best friend Mark (Josh Ethier) is abducted by an unknown entity while they’re drinking together in a rural Maine cabin. Two years later, Seth lives a life of isolation and abject fear. His only reason for surviving is to get revenge on the ones who took Mark.

Soon, strange events occur in the small town of Harcourt, Maine, where Seth and Mark once shared a home. In a startling twist, Seth suddenly appears at Mark's cabin, seemingly confused and traumatised, but also exhibiting near-superhuman strength and aggression.

The FBI agent who initially investigated Mark’s disappearance, Cone (played by John Dinan), also returns to the scene of the original crime, trying to hunt down the person or persons responsible for the strange occurrences in Harcourt. Seth is pursued by the FBI, but also by an unknown entity that appears to be part of another dimension. The townsfolk are rocked by a series of grisly murders, each one accompanied by creepy sound effects and gut-churning gore.

Throughout the movie, the film's overall visual and audio style keeps the atmosphere taut, with its ghastly noises, ambient lighting and bone-jarring music. Creatures hide in shadows, waiting to attack Seth or anyone else who crosses their path. Every door seems to have an ominous presence, and every conversation is filled with tension.

Josh Ethier's performance as Mark is particularly noteworthy, with his ability to convey a range of emotions despite having limited screen time. He is initially calm, collected and always in control, but as the movie progresses, his character becomes increasingly more unstable and almost chaotic in his behavior. Ethier's versatility is remarkable, as he successfully embodies both ends of Mark's psychological spectrum.

Graham Skipper's portrayal of Seth is also impressive, as he masterfully conveys the character's desperate need for revenge as well as his growing confusion as events spiral out of control. Vanessa Leigh plays Jen, Seth's former partner and Mark's ex-girlfriend, and brings a much-needed sense of levity to the otherwise dark story. The chemistry between Leigh and Skipper is palpable, and their romance is a welcome respite from the film's intense violence.

Almost Human will certainly appeal to horror and sci-fi enthusiasts, as it blends elements from both genres successfully. Its story is both traditional and innovative at the same time. It adheres to horror movie conventions, such as jump scares and gore, but also explores deeper themes such as love, loss and our primal desire for revenge. The film does an exceptional job of setting a chilling tone that only gets more unsettling as it progresses.

The soundtrack, composed by Wojciech Golczewski, is a standout feature of the movie. It ramps up the tension and keeps the audience on edge, whilst also providing some truly horrifying moments. The sound effects, especially the oppressive roar that sometimes accompanies the creatures, are likewise very effective.

Finally, Almost Human is a technical achievement for its limited budget, with its special effects being particularly commendable. The creatures, both seen and unseen, are all extremely effective, and the low-fi feel of the movie only adds to the creepiness factor. If you enjoy films that are equal parts sci-fi and horror, and don't mind a bit of gore, Almost Human is a must-watch. It is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that leaves a lasting impression.

Almost Human is a 2014 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7 and a MetaScore of 40.