Watch Anything for Jackson

The 2020 horror film Anything for Jackson, directed by Justin G. Dyck, is an unapologetically provocative and fresh take on the genre. With an incredibly talented cast, including Sheila McCarthy, Julian Richings, and Konstantina Mantelos, the movie lures audiences in with its seemingly sweet premise, only to ruthlessly subvert their expectations.

The story centers around a retired couple, Henry and Audrey Walsh (played by Richings and McCarthy), who are still mourning the loss of their only grandson. Desperate to bring him back, they capture a pregnant woman named Becker (Mantelos) and perform a satanic ritual to transfer the soul of their grandson into her unborn child.

However, as their obsession with bringing their grandson back takes hold, the couple realizes they have unleashed something much more sinister upon themselves and their community.

From the beginning, Anything for Jackson plays with the audience’s expectations. With a first act that leans heavily on emotional drama and grieving, it feels like the film may be another horror movie that exploits people’s trauma for cheap scares. However, the narrative quickly twists and becomes a shocking meditation on grief and the lengths people will go to overcome it.

The performances of the lead actors are a major highlight of the movie. McCarthy and Richings are perfectly cast as the seemingly harmless grandparents who become increasingly unhinged with their desperation to see their grandson again. Both actors effortlessly balance humor with the darker, more gruesome aspects of the story, keeping the audience fully invested in their characters’ arcs.

Mantelos is equally excellent as the terrified pregnant woman who is at the center of the couple’s ritual. Despite having few lines, she delivers a nuanced and layered performance that helps ground the horror elements of the story in reality.

Despite its small budget, the film manages to deliver some impressive creature effects and disturbing visuals, starting with the eerie opening scene where we see the demonic forces at play. Although the gore is limited, the movie builds a constant sense of unease with its atmospheric tone and haunting score.

One of the most notable aspects of Anything for Jackson is its willingness to tackle complex themes, including loss, grief, and personal redemption. Dyck, who co-wrote the screenplay with Keith Cooper, doesn’t shy away from exploring uncomfortable ideas, which elevates the movie from being just another horror film to a thoughtful and insightful reflection on human nature.

Overall, Anything for Jackson is a haunting and memorable horror film that defies expectations. Featuring outstanding performances from its lead actors, impressive creature effects, and a willingness to explore deeper themes, it’s a truly unique experience that horror fans should not miss.

Anything for Jackson is a 2020 horror movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 67.