Ravens Hollow (Shudder) Review

4 star delightfully dark gothic horror.

Ravens Hollow is an American gothic horror film, written by Chuck Reeves (Ogre) and Christopher Hatton (Battle of the Damned) who also directs. It is a Shudder Original film, available on the streaming service from 22nd September 2022.

“Anybody tell me why we’re going to see a scarecrow?”

This film follows an undocumented period in the life of legendary horror author Edgar Allan Poe (The Raven, The Fall of the House of Usher). The young Edgar (William Moseley – The Chronicles of Narnia, Land of Dreams) is a cadet at Westpoint academy out on a training mission with four fellow cadets.

They happen upon a horrifying sight in a field, a man has been tied to a rack, eviscerated and left for dead. When they approach, he has just enough life left in him to speak one word, Raven. Not wanting to leave him out there alone, they head for the nearest town, Ravens Hollow, believing that to be his home.

When they arrive, the reception is less than welcoming. No-one knows the stranger or so they say, although they are all extremely shady. Landlady Elizabet (Kate Dickie – Prometheus) reluctantly offers them a room and Poe is somewhat taken with her daughter Charlotte (Melanie Zanetti – Gabriel’s Rapture).

There is something sinister afoot in this town, but what could it be to inspire one of his most famous works?

“Well, we can’t know all that goes on out there. His fate was between him and his God.”

Ravens Hollow is a very enjoyable film. It’s well acted with really good cinematography and an excellent score which ramps up the tension very nicely. Period horror films are often very atmospheric and this is no exception.

It’s a good idea for a story too, to examine the possible motivation behind one of his poems, and while the writing shows none of Poe’s flair, there are lots of Easter eggs for fans and overall it’s a good solid film.

The only downside would be the CGI, it’s not very good at all. Happily though there is very little of it and not enough to ruin the film. An enjoyable watch and certainly well worth a look.

“You’d best go young soldiers. Ride out tonight. Don’t wait for the morning, or you might not make it.”