The slow burn horror drama Woe may lack traditional scares, yet its intense atmosphere and dramatic stakes results in a creepy movie experience.

Written and directed by Matthew Goodhue (his feature film debut), the 84 minutes Woe is not a film that will appeal to those with an appetite for The Conjuring jump scare style of horror. Rather, the horror of Woe bubbles under the surface.

Woe stars Adam Halferty and Jessie Rabideau as Charlie and Betty Dennistoun, siblings who are still grieving the suicide of their father. While Jessie is trying to move on with her life by marrying chatty park ranger Benjamin (Ryan Kattner), Charlie has become increasingly isolated in his family home where he tinkers with repairs all day. He is also haunted by hooded spectres that torment him at every turn. Convinced they are visions manifest by his mental state, an unexpected visit by his estranged uncle (James Russo) reveals these spectres are very real.

In many ways Woe is a film about mental illness as it is about a family cursed by supernatural forces. In this regard Woe has much in common with the likes of Hereditary and Relic, yet without the pay offs that could have catapulted it into cult film status. Regardless, Goodhue has delivered a unique horror experience, which he should be commended for.

Performances from all involved are solid, especially Adam Halferty who portrays the inner turmoil and madness that engulfs Charlie as he delves deeper into a secret that has plagued his family for generations. James Russo does his part well as the wild card uncle that brings an extra sense of paranoia to the proceedings.

The score by Jimmy Welsch hits that correct ominous tone that reminds of the consistent threat facing this family. If there is a complaint to be made, it’s that Goodhue could have created more traditional scare sequences to release some of the films tension, not withstanding a frightening third act that is sure to leave a mark.

The films ambiguous nature as to what evil lurks his family may frustrate some, but for those tired of the usual tricks featured in many horror features these days, Woe is a refreshing alternative.