Watch Burning Shadow

Burning Shadow is a 2018 independent drama-thriller that follows the exploits of Charles, played by Matthew Dennis Lewis, as he reunites with his old friend Tim, played by Russell Dennis Lewis, in Los Angeles. However, the city seems to be enveloped in a spate of bizarre and terrifying happenings that soon begin to affect Charles himself. The film features a sense of unease and disorientation that pervades almost every scene, underlining the gritty and unsettling atmosphere of the story.

At the beginning of the movie, viewers see Charles as a man who is struggling to connect with the world around him. He has come to LA to escape the monotony of his life back home; however, it soon becomes clear that he is not equipped to handle the chaos of the city. He quickly falls into a series of strange and unsettling experiences that seem to speak to a macabre underbelly lurking just beneath the surface.

The film's opening scene is slow, eerie, and somewhat abstract, providing viewers with a glimpse of the overall tone of what's to come. The focus of the movie is not on traditional jump scares, but on cultivating an increasingly unsettling atmosphere. The story uses a variety of visual techniques and sound effects to create this sense of unease, underscoring the film's psychological horror.

As the story progresses, Charles begins to experience visions that are starkly different from his reality. Blinking in and out of mysterious trance states, he appears to be slipping further and further out of touch with the world around him. Catching glimpses of shadowy figures lurking in the background of his life, Charles begins to question his own sanity. Mesquida plays Sarah, a woman with an enigmatic and somewhat dangerous air, who seems to know more about Charles' visions than she is willing to admit. Despite his mounting confusion, Charles becomes increasingly desperate to unravel the mystery behind the strange events consuming his life.

The film's narrative unfolds slowly and deliberately, allowing viewers to become fully immersed in the world that the filmmakers have created. It's a world characterized by overwhelming darkness and confusion, punctuated by moments of brutal violence that serve to heighten the film's tension. Along the way, viewers are treated to a number of disturbingly surreal scenes that add to the sense of unease and terror.

Throughout the movie, the cinematography is excellent, with the camera almost acting as another character in the story. Certain shots linger just a moment too long, drawing attention to the dark and brooding underbelly of the city. In contrast, other scenes use quick, jarring cuts to create a sense of dislocation and disorientation. At times, the filmmakers appear to be deliberately withholding information from viewers, forcing them to stay engaged with the story and remain attentive to every twist and turn.

In terms of performances, the cast is solid across the board. Lewis delivers a memorable turn as Charles, playing him to perfection as a man teetering on the edge of sanity. Mesquida's characterization of Sarah is mysterious and intriguing, while Russell Dennis Lewis brings a welcome element of humor to offset the visceral terror of the story.

Overall, Burning Shadow is an atmospheric and engrossing thriller that delivers plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments. With a haunting score, chilling visuals, and a mesmerizing story, it's a movie that will linger with you long after the end credits have rolled. For fans of psychological horror, Burning Shadow is a must-see.

Burning Shadow is a 2018 suspense movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.