“Muldowney aims higher than his peers where the plot is concerned yet doesn’t spend quite as much time on the characters that are figuring out these equations. Thankfully, the performances (including Elisha Cuthbert & Eoin Macken) are competent enough to smooth out any gaps. The production values are strong…” The MN Movie Man
” …various elements never quite coalesce into a satisfying narrative, and the movie relies a little too much on watching its protagonists googling the meaning of Latin quotations […] it’s disappointing to see Muldowney rely on so many clichés for his feature-length expansion […] But Muldowney does a good job of establishing an eerie atmosphere throughout.” 3/5 The Movie Waffler
“The trope-like beats the story hits are all too familiar, which will deter some viewers. In this regard, the film isn’t reinventing the wheel in the haunting sphere. That said, the last 20 minutes and the overall execution are where things take a surprising turn. And, just when you think there’s a cop-out towards the ends, Muldowney pulls a Pietro ala Age of Ultron.” Nightmarish Conjurings
“Writer/director Brendan Muldowney crafts effective chills from the simplest of things, wringing tension from each step into the cellar along with a creeping atmosphere. What works is how the house feels full of personality, as lingering shots make it appear ready for new tenants to fall victim to what lurks inside. What’s left is an effective view of regret and grief in unforeseen circumstances.” 4/5 The Reviewing Rodders
“What elevates this film though is the conclusion. It sticks the landing. Twice. The revelations of what the plot promises are executed well. The brief glimpses of the evil source, and the descent into the depths of what lies beyond are chilling, and the closing moment is on point. The feel of the movie is a familiar blend of the dysfunctional family trope and traditional haunted house.” The Scariest Things
“While The Cellar adds a few interesting and novel touches to the old formula, they are never exploited quite sharply enough to make it feel new. It’s a bold choice to play in the haunted house sandbox, I just wish they’d committed to something a bit more exciting than they did, it all feels very safe. Thankfully that final sequence sends it just over the line to warrant a recommendation…” Screen Anarchy
“The Cellar is just another spooky film that covers the same well-worn ground as most others in the genre. It’s not a total waste of time, but the lazy occult elements and the total bummer of an ending lead to an awful lot of disappointment.” Screen Zealots
” …it doesn’t add up into a particularly memorable horror movie that will draw in non-genre fans. Muldowney provides solid direction, although his screenplay hinders a potentially terrifying haunted house into one that fits in too neatly in the story. The Cellar had promise, but there isn’t anything that separates it from other haunted house flicks.” Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Muldowney pulls from the depths of Hell and creates this amalgamation of satanic influences sketched around algebraic formulas like Sam Raimi brainstormed with your least favorite high school subject’s teacher […] It’s a solid Friday night spookshow with solid bones and a divisive finisher — harmless horror entertainment that at least strives to be better than ordinary.” 7/10 /Film
“The plot tries to be a bit loftier than it needs to be, but it’s essentially a gateway to Hell scenario. Cuthbert is impressive as the distraught mother, while father Eoin Macken isn’t really given much to do. Muldowney’s direction is stronger than the story, but it still manages to provide a few chills and obligatory jumps.” Starburst
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Shudder has announced the acquisition of The Cellar, from Irish writer-director Brendan Muldowney and starring Elisha Cuthbert and Eoin Macken, ahead of the film’s world premiere at SXSW. The film is also the closing film of FrightFest Glasgow.
The Cellar will have a day-and-date premiere on April 15th, streaming exclusively on Shudder in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand with a U.S. theatrical release through RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks.
Filmed on location in Roscommon, Ireland, The Cellar tells the story of Keira Woods (Elisha Cuthbert), whose daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house in the country. Keira soon discovers there is an ancient and powerful entity controlling their home that she will have to face or risk losing her family’s souls forever.
“The Cellar is a riveting story that we think will appeal to both horror lovers and broader audiences alike, and we’re delighted to work with RLJE Films to bring it to the widest possible audience,” said Craig Engler, GM of Shudder, “Brendan and this talented team have crafted a dark and haunting tale that we’re excited to share with audiences this April.”
“Ever since we made the short film The Ten Steps, which The Cellar is based on, I have seen the profound effect and power it has had on audiences,” said Muldowney. “I am really excited to be working with Shudder and RLJE Films in bringing this feature-length version of the nightmare to a wider audience.”
The Cellar is an Irish/Belgian co-production with Conor Barry of Savage Productions and Richard Bolger of Hail Mary Pictures serving as producers.
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