Watch The Call of Cthulhu

The Call of Cthulhu is a 2005 independent silent film adaptation of the famous H.P. Lovecraft novella. Directed by Andrew Leman, the movie was written by Sean Branney and stars Matt Foyer, John Bolen, and Ralph Lucas. The film begins with a group of scholars who are eager to explore the mystery behind a cult that appears to worship an ancient, dark god known as Cthulhu. The story is told through a series of flashbacks, as the scholars recount their experiences to one of their colleagues.

The story revolves around a young man named Francis Wayland Thurston, who discovers a strange statuette among his late grandfather's belongings. The statuette is of a creature that appears to be a mix of a dragon and an octopus. As Thurston begins to investigate the origins of the statuette, he becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind it.

Thurston's investigations lead him to a world of ancient cults and forbidden knowledge. He discovers that the cult of Cthulhu has been active for centuries, and that its followers are working to summon the titular creature from another dimension. Along the way, Thurston encounters various unsavory characters, including a mysterious artist, a wealthy recluse, and a group of sailors who have witnessed unspeakable horrors at sea.

As Thurston delves deeper into the mystery, he begins to experience terrifying visions and nightmares. He becomes convinced that the cult is real and that Cthulhu is on the verge of being summoned. With the help of his colleagues, Thurston sets out to prevent the cult from succeeding in their nefarious plans.

The film is shot in black and white and is presented in the style of a silent film from the 1920s. Despite this, the filmmakers have gone to great lengths to create an authentic Lovecraftian atmosphere. The sets and costumes are all meticulously crafted to create a sense of foreboding and dread. The music and sound effects are also expertly designed to enhance the eerie atmosphere.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its use of practical effects. The creature design is particularly impressive, with the titular Cthulhu being a downright terrifying sight to behold. The film relies on creature effects and practical makeup, successfully avoiding the use of cheap and tacky CGI.

The Call of Cthulhu is a film that is clearly made with a great deal of love and respect for the source material. The filmmakers have managed to capture the dread and horror of Lovecraft's writing and translate it onto the screen. The use of black and white cinematography and practical effects all come together to create a truly unsettling experience.

Overall, The Call of Cthulhu is an excellent example of what can be achieved with a limited budget and a whole lot of creativity. It's a film that is not afraid to embrace its Lovecraftian roots and deliver a truly unnerving experience. Anyone who is a fan of horror or science fiction should definitely check it out.

The Call of Cthulhu is a 2005 horror movie with a runtime of 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.