Watch Kantemir

Kantemir is a psychological horror film from 2015, directed by Ben Samuels, that features Robert Englund, Diane Cary, and Daniel Gadi in leading roles. The movie revolves around a group of actors who gather in an isolated mansion to rehearse for a theatrical play that they plan to perform in a nearby town. However, as they start their rehearsals, they soon realize that something sinister is lurking in the shadows.

The story begins with a group of actors who arrive at an isolated mansion to prepare for the play they've been hired to perform in. Among the crew is John, played by Daniel Gadi, a young and ambitious actor who's thrilled to be working alongside a renowned actor, Joseph, played by Robert Englund, who is notorious for his method acting.

As Joseph takes the lead in the rehearsals, the rest of the group soon realizes that something isn't quite right about the old mansion. The atmosphere is creepy, and strange occurrences start happening. Some members of the crew start experiencing unusual sensations and hallucinations, and as the rehearsals progress, their psychological states become more fragile, leading them to question their own sanity.

As the play's director, Julia (Diane Cary), tries to keep the production on track, Joseph seems to be spiraling out of control, taking his acting to disturbing and dangerous levels. The rest of the crew soon learns that Joseph's acting method is not merely a craft – he is channeling a malevolent presence that has taken over him and is threatening to consume everyone in the mansion.

The tension builds as the rehearsals continue, and the line between reality and fiction becomes increasingly blurred. The characters' paranoia and fear intensify, as they face the realization that their situation is not just the result of physical phenomena but something much darker and more sinister.

One of the film's strongest points is its acting performances, particularly that of Robert Englund, who is best known for playing the iconic horror villain, Freddy Krueger, in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series. In "Kantemir," Englund delivers a subtle and nuanced portrayal of a method actor whose ability to embody his character has taken a terrifying turn.

Diane Cary also gives a compelling performance as Julia, a director who must manage the egos and fragility of the actors, as well as the mounting horrors that they're faced with. Daniel Gadi's performance as John, the young actor with a lot to prove, provides an excellent counterpoint to the seasoned performers.

The film's production design and cinematography also deserve a mention, as the isolated mansion provides an eerie and atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding horrors. The lighting and camera work are used effectively to create a sense of tension and claustrophobia, as the camera lingers on details that hint at the mansion's sinister history.

While "Kantemir" may not be the most groundbreaking horror film, it certainly delivers a tense and atmospheric experience that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. Its blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements, combined with strong performances and excellent production values, make it a worthy addition to any horror film lover's collection.

Kantemir is a 2017 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.3.