The Arbors is a 2020 American horror film about a lonely locksmith who seemingly discovers a mysterious insect-like creature. Morbidly fascinated, he captures and takes it home. However, it soon grows bigger and bigger as it consumes his life and then escapes, wreaking havoc on the neighbourhood.
Directed by Clayton Witmer from a screenplay co-written with Chelsey Cummings. Produced by Clayton Aggeles and Michael Samilow. The movie stars Drew Matthews and Ryan Davenport.
Reviews:
“At just under two hours in length, there are moments that may feel as if they’re dragging. But be patient. The Arbors relies on suspense and mystery, all the while providing the viewer with well-timed moments of both clarity and heightened intrigue. The Arbors is a creature feature. Just not a conventional one.” Heaven of Horror
“Using an otherworldly creature as a metaphor for the plight of a human protagonist, representing their inability to grow and feeling anchored by the past, gives more significance to the narrative. If you’re just looking to satiate your appetite for creature carnage, I would recommend re-adjusting your expectations before going into the film. But if you’re looking for a monster film with heart, The Arbors delivers.” Killer Horror Critic
“The acting is naturalistic and sensitive to all the emotional beats of Witmer and Cummings’ script; the way one character expresses grief late in the film is especially well-caught. That’s crucial in a movie that’s more concerned with its people than its monster, and what its killing spree means to Ethan and those around him.” Rue Morgue
“Lurking inside that two-hour runtime there is a great 80-minute flick; however, in its current state, it becomes dull at times and uninteresting. The mind wanders away from the screen while a lonely man reflects awkwardly on what to do with this murderous creature that he has connected with.” SBS
Release:
The Arbors premiered at the Austin Film Festival in October 2020.
TriCoast Entertainment has secured the worldwide rights for The Arbors and will represent the film at the European Film Market (EFM) in early March 2021. Meanwhile, Gravitas Ventures has US rights and will release the film on March 26th, theatrically and on Digital platforms.
Cast and characters (alphabetical):
Brooks Addis … Brody Capra
Kathryn Alexander … T.V. Newswoman
Morgan Carson … Paul
Sarah Cochrane … Robin
Ryan Davenport … Shane Daunes
Olivia Griffin … Reporter
Mark Hayes … Jones
Michael Helms … Mitchell
Evan Henry … Aaron
Tony Hughes … Officer Bensi
Noah Lewis … Alex
Phillip Lynch … Televangelist
Drew Matthews … Ethan Daunes
Langston McAdoo … Logan
Daryl Munroe … Connie
Jordan Nelson … Mike
Alexandra Rose … Lynn Daunes
John S. Rushton … Nick Birman
Don Scarborough … Chuck
Joe Stanlonis … Wyatt
Dré Starks … Officer
Filming locations:
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Technical details:
116 minutes
Teaser:
Trailer:
YouTube review:
