The Djinn
Reading time: 1 minute
Directors: David Charbonier & Justin Powell
Writer: David Charbonier & Justin Powell
Cast: Ezra Dewey, Rob Brownstein, Tevy Poe & John Erickson
The Plot: Dylan (Dewey) is still grieving the loss of his mother when he and his father Michael (Brownstein) move into a new apartment. Left alone after his father heads off to work a night shift, Dylan finds an ancient book of spells in a closet and makes a wish. Of course, there’s a catch and once the spell has been completed, The Djinn comes calling to claim his soul.
This is the sophomore feature from filmmaking friends Powell and Charbonier, the directing duo skilfully work within the confines of a single location, effectively sustaining an ambience of dread over a taught 80-minute runtime, that sees a game of cat and mouse play out between Dylan and the Djinn. The latter takes the human form of the apartments former tenant and an escaped convict, both of whom are interestingly sightless.
The scares are well orchestrated and supported by a cool 80’s synth score; however, where The Djinn does come a little unstuck is through repetition. Clearly limited by the constraints of the film's budget, there are only so many places to run, hide and regroup within the small apartment before we find ourselves back in the same room and situation. This is less wearing than it could have been though due to the films young lead Ezra Dewey, who is extremely impressive. His wordless performance adeptly conveying emotions through body language that belies his years and provides the film with its emotional core.
The Verdict: A lean chiller that makes David Charbonier and Justin Powell names to watch.
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