This wasn't bad honestly. I didn't have much expectations when I decided to play it, and I mostly wanted to see it because of the cast involved and the fact that it's a ghost story involving kids too. Some of the visuals were intriguing and interesting to look at. Some scenes fell flat though but then again that's expected. Some of the acting was mediocre (the main pulled it off though, it was mainly the side characters and the heavy set friend was glasses) some scenes were too long and could have been cut in half, like the other scenes that were shorter and there was action so that's what it needed because it worked. Overall an enjoyable experience.
7 Reviews
Had potential, I was entertained
jessiehenderson-4129421 October 2023
This movie had the right pieces including a likeable protagonist (yes, you actually care about your lead), cool plot with a degree of originality, decent practical effects, and a brisk pace- for the most part (it does slow down a bit in the middle). The script seems to be based on a pretty good idea, I would venture to say that the writer started with a concept that was unique, then there were too many ideas and subplots to maneuver. But too many ideas is better than no ideas. I'll take creativity any day over the lack of it.
I liked the metaphors and mirroring images and how a lot of the things and little signs tied back to the plot and foreshadowed, when paying a closer attention.
The acting was a mixed bag , some scenes felt good and above average, and others felt kind of forced. Main kid's acting ranges, she's pretty good at times, but when it's just fine she does enough to avoid you disbelieving the character. Which is a lot better than what I see in recent indie movies. The rough around the edges, tomboy friend was pretty decent, though it was overplayed and kind of much at times. Maybe she was having too much fun playing the character? Dad's the most solid actor in the movie. He's pretty believable and likable. Mom, again average to not so much. But that maybe made her more likable when she became more motherly as the story progressed?
The music was really good and unsetting when it needed to be, and in the right places; giving the overall atmosphere a creepy, ominous vibe. Which worked perfectly, since it lacked actual effective scares, but it was effectively unsettling and unnerving in some areas.
Great production values. The trash heap and garbage cave looks really cool, and for that I wish they utilized them even more and shot more scenes in said environments. And while it was great to see Linda Blair in something recent again (for all the Exorcist fans and fanatics out there and if you're a Blair fan like I am- first the Exorcist Believer and now this! Woot whoot!!) I just wish she had more screen time and her character added more to the story. But then again, it was still one of the bigger cameos she's done in recent movies so there's that.
It was beautifully shot. The cinematography and lighting were really good, and I can say that because I've seen a ton of indie films and there's nothing worse than bad cinematography and badly lit scenes. It just cheapens the whole thing and hurts your eye. So budget well spent and they hired the right people.
With that said, sound was rough in some scenes however, and you could almost tell they tried to cover it with some background noise and foley and what not. I enjoyed the dialog between the characters and I thought some of the stuff was funny, I actually laughed out loud at some of the lines.
Some scenes may be a littler longer than they should've been, but overall I think it's a decent indie film with a unique premise. Sure, it could've been executed better, that's not to say there isn't potential though. I give it a 7/10.
I liked the metaphors and mirroring images and how a lot of the things and little signs tied back to the plot and foreshadowed, when paying a closer attention.
The acting was a mixed bag , some scenes felt good and above average, and others felt kind of forced. Main kid's acting ranges, she's pretty good at times, but when it's just fine she does enough to avoid you disbelieving the character. Which is a lot better than what I see in recent indie movies. The rough around the edges, tomboy friend was pretty decent, though it was overplayed and kind of much at times. Maybe she was having too much fun playing the character? Dad's the most solid actor in the movie. He's pretty believable and likable. Mom, again average to not so much. But that maybe made her more likable when she became more motherly as the story progressed?
The music was really good and unsetting when it needed to be, and in the right places; giving the overall atmosphere a creepy, ominous vibe. Which worked perfectly, since it lacked actual effective scares, but it was effectively unsettling and unnerving in some areas.
Great production values. The trash heap and garbage cave looks really cool, and for that I wish they utilized them even more and shot more scenes in said environments. And while it was great to see Linda Blair in something recent again (for all the Exorcist fans and fanatics out there and if you're a Blair fan like I am- first the Exorcist Believer and now this! Woot whoot!!) I just wish she had more screen time and her character added more to the story. But then again, it was still one of the bigger cameos she's done in recent movies so there's that.
It was beautifully shot. The cinematography and lighting were really good, and I can say that because I've seen a ton of indie films and there's nothing worse than bad cinematography and badly lit scenes. It just cheapens the whole thing and hurts your eye. So budget well spent and they hired the right people.
With that said, sound was rough in some scenes however, and you could almost tell they tried to cover it with some background noise and foley and what not. I enjoyed the dialog between the characters and I thought some of the stuff was funny, I actually laughed out loud at some of the lines.
Some scenes may be a littler longer than they should've been, but overall I think it's a decent indie film with a unique premise. Sure, it could've been executed better, that's not to say there isn't potential though. I give it a 7/10.
Landfill of the Dead
Comet_Zombie13 November 2023
A young curious girl, Melissa (Victoria Clare), finds a necklace at a landfill where her Dad (David Lee Smith) is designing a housing development. Afterwards she starts seeing the ghost of a young girl, Dorsan (Savannah Liles/Halliday), leading her on a search for answers for Dorsan's untimely demise.
Victoria Clare delivers a strong performance as the lead Character of Melissa. Actor Morgan Bertsch, who plays Erma, delivered her lines in a way that reminded me of how a neighborhood kid, I knew growing up, actually spoke on a regular basis. Sophie Guest plays the part of Nora, the bratty character, that I actually ended up liking in the end. It was nice to see the cameo's of Linda Blair and Christine Elise in this film as well. I think the entire cast did a great job with their characters.
We are shown some of the pain that the characters are going through and how they are fighting their way through that pain, and readjusting to their lives in a new location. The Dad was my favorite of the two parents, because you can see that he truly loves his little girl just as she is. He supports her and her fascination with things that her Mother doesn't approve of. He is also very empathetic to his wifes feelings and insists on her putting away things, like an art piece, that her Mother might fight upsetting. Her Mother is more the, "Why can't you be normal" type, but that could also be because of her recent loss, and she's inadvertently expressing that without thinking.
The first half of the film we get character development, but the story didn't really seem to take off until the last half of the film. I really wish there had been more adventure shown, from the kids point of view, with them trying to figure out what happened to Dorsan.
Even though the film has an overall melancholy tone, The ending leaves us with closure, and seemed to bring Melissa and her Mother closer.
Overall, I enjoyed this film. I felt like it was shot well and the story had a nice flow to it. The films runtime is just under two hours and, while I am glad it wasn't another one of those films that felt rushed, I feel like it could've been cut down to a shorter runtime and the film would've still been just as enjoyable.
Victoria Clare delivers a strong performance as the lead Character of Melissa. Actor Morgan Bertsch, who plays Erma, delivered her lines in a way that reminded me of how a neighborhood kid, I knew growing up, actually spoke on a regular basis. Sophie Guest plays the part of Nora, the bratty character, that I actually ended up liking in the end. It was nice to see the cameo's of Linda Blair and Christine Elise in this film as well. I think the entire cast did a great job with their characters.
We are shown some of the pain that the characters are going through and how they are fighting their way through that pain, and readjusting to their lives in a new location. The Dad was my favorite of the two parents, because you can see that he truly loves his little girl just as she is. He supports her and her fascination with things that her Mother doesn't approve of. He is also very empathetic to his wifes feelings and insists on her putting away things, like an art piece, that her Mother might fight upsetting. Her Mother is more the, "Why can't you be normal" type, but that could also be because of her recent loss, and she's inadvertently expressing that without thinking.
The first half of the film we get character development, but the story didn't really seem to take off until the last half of the film. I really wish there had been more adventure shown, from the kids point of view, with them trying to figure out what happened to Dorsan.
Even though the film has an overall melancholy tone, The ending leaves us with closure, and seemed to bring Melissa and her Mother closer.
Overall, I enjoyed this film. I felt like it was shot well and the story had a nice flow to it. The films runtime is just under two hours and, while I am glad it wasn't another one of those films that felt rushed, I feel like it could've been cut down to a shorter runtime and the film would've still been just as enjoyable.
A touching Ghost Story
BrendanBakos-121 October 2023
Lanfill is a story about a family who decided to
move to a new home but while they are there their young daughter starts to have some Supernatural encounters with a deceased young girl a ghost if you will ! I will not give any of the Mystery away as this young girl who is very good in her role ! Is trying tounravel what's going on ! Along with a coulpe of close friends as they investigate a back story of past & present . The film is beautifull to look at indeed ! Direction & the Diolouge is quite good ( Very Natural) . Now this is a Suspense / Thriller but not in the gernereck sense of Ghosts Storys Haughting young Adults young or old ! In the end this film comes from the heart its very touching & sad so we simpersise with the Sprit of this young girl gone to soon . Look out for a cameo from Actor / Animal Actvist Linda Blair in the film plus other small roles from a coulpe of actors of known horror films like Child's Play 2 & Action films. They do their roles quite well . After seeing Landfill l look forward to seeing more projects from the writer/ director of this film .
It was a decent flick. Not a bad concept
mcdsarah-4173028 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting premise. Could've gone the horror route but it didn't. The trash imagery is really cool and atmospheric. This movie was entertaining enough for what it is... The graphics and overall style reminded me of 80s and 90s thrillers. You don't expect to see an Oscar winning movie, but you expect to have fun. And this was a fun ride. Had some pretty good moments. Also, Linda Blair and Christine Elise! Nice touch. American Ninja guy and other cameos too. Really cool cast ensemble.
I liked the colors and the visuals of the trash scenes were nice. You feel like you are actually vicariously in the realm world between reality and fantasy/ heaven and earth (for the dead ones) which was pretty creative. I became emotionally invested early on and the overall impact of this work struck a chord in me.
It's also thematically rich and filled with symbolism and metaphors. Notice how the little girl's death is cleverly foreshadowed at some point earlier on in the movie (basement scene) you could almost tell exactly what happened to her, by watching her doppelganger of a doll get buried... As our lead questions it, leaving her distraught. Other little metaphors are implanted here and there too. Even the lesson the teacher was teaching in class was about a Phoenix rising from the ashes, to become a stronger being. Similarly, the Phoenix in the picture could easily be metaphoric, referring to the murdered girl (Dorsan), after all, we learn later through her diaries that it's also what she resembled herself to. Calling herself in a drawing (Phoenix girl) she had lived a similar life to that of a Phoenix's. Coincidence? I think not. Also, the lead telling her dad that she wants to be a helper. A lot of resemblances in both girls' lives, "a hug from a grieving mother " both moms were grieving mothers. I think this was the writer/director's strongest suit.
There's no amount of philosophical high-roading that could stop the murdered girl from wanting herself and her loved one in the same place again. The ending features the fulfilment of both girls' and their mothers' utmost desires; being set free, reunited, strong, living, loving and free. If you take this film as a strange admixture of drama, family, murder, thriller/suspense and a fantasy in the vein of a children's book, it all works perfectly. But it also works for adults as well. Some of the characters could have been better fleshed out and given more characteristics, as they seemed a bit 2 dimensional and cliched. And that's where my low score goes. That and statistically speaking, a movie with such genre should've been shorter. It was a tad long. But I find that no one really follows a set structure these days when it comes to movie lengths, with some even being over 2 hours. While the lead was a decent actress for her age, I found that some of the stuff said by the kid actors was delivered without necessarily being understood, which kind of killed the effect. Maybe more coaching was needed for those desired moments. I've waited a long time to see this, but I did enjoy it after all. I would recommend seeing this movie if you like this kind of mixture of genres, but not if you're going into it expecting gore and horror, as it never claimed to be that. My vote is 6.5/10.
I liked the colors and the visuals of the trash scenes were nice. You feel like you are actually vicariously in the realm world between reality and fantasy/ heaven and earth (for the dead ones) which was pretty creative. I became emotionally invested early on and the overall impact of this work struck a chord in me.
It's also thematically rich and filled with symbolism and metaphors. Notice how the little girl's death is cleverly foreshadowed at some point earlier on in the movie (basement scene) you could almost tell exactly what happened to her, by watching her doppelganger of a doll get buried... As our lead questions it, leaving her distraught. Other little metaphors are implanted here and there too. Even the lesson the teacher was teaching in class was about a Phoenix rising from the ashes, to become a stronger being. Similarly, the Phoenix in the picture could easily be metaphoric, referring to the murdered girl (Dorsan), after all, we learn later through her diaries that it's also what she resembled herself to. Calling herself in a drawing (Phoenix girl) she had lived a similar life to that of a Phoenix's. Coincidence? I think not. Also, the lead telling her dad that she wants to be a helper. A lot of resemblances in both girls' lives, "a hug from a grieving mother " both moms were grieving mothers. I think this was the writer/director's strongest suit.
There's no amount of philosophical high-roading that could stop the murdered girl from wanting herself and her loved one in the same place again. The ending features the fulfilment of both girls' and their mothers' utmost desires; being set free, reunited, strong, living, loving and free. If you take this film as a strange admixture of drama, family, murder, thriller/suspense and a fantasy in the vein of a children's book, it all works perfectly. But it also works for adults as well. Some of the characters could have been better fleshed out and given more characteristics, as they seemed a bit 2 dimensional and cliched. And that's where my low score goes. That and statistically speaking, a movie with such genre should've been shorter. It was a tad long. But I find that no one really follows a set structure these days when it comes to movie lengths, with some even being over 2 hours. While the lead was a decent actress for her age, I found that some of the stuff said by the kid actors was delivered without necessarily being understood, which kind of killed the effect. Maybe more coaching was needed for those desired moments. I've waited a long time to see this, but I did enjoy it after all. I would recommend seeing this movie if you like this kind of mixture of genres, but not if you're going into it expecting gore and horror, as it never claimed to be that. My vote is 6.5/10.
Enjoyed watching it. Kept me anticipating the next event
nordinjam17 November 2023
The movie is fun to watch. It kept me on edge to know what's going to happen next. Great acting and storyline. It laughed, teared up and got a few good scares while watching. It's witty in some parts and emotional in others. What sets "Landill" apart is its ability to maintain suspense without relying on gratuitous violence or explicit content. The filmmakers skillfully create tension through clever cinematography, a haunting musical score, and a well-crafted script that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The use of atmospheric lighting and shadowy visuals adds to the overall sense of unease, creating a palpable atmosphere of mystery and suspense. The child actors demonstrate a depth of emotion and maturity beyond their years, showcasing their remarkable talent and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. They definitely carry the weight of the narrative with remarkable skill, drawing viewers into the complexities of their characters' lives and the challenges they face. I give it 9 out of 10!
Enjoyable, a little flawed, and a little bit of potential squandered
brettbragoik13 November 2023
The preponderance of the length is an interesting drama induced thriller about an innocent little girl getting drawn into a quagmire of murder and what abyss of darkness that would bring shortly after finding a necklace at the dump. I think most would agree it's a cool idea.
The story has a promising plot, with characters that actually make sense (although some were only half baked), great cinematic look and locations, with smart casting choices too. David Lee Smith (CSI Miami guy) does a vey beautiful job portraying the father. And seeing Linda Blair in a cameo scene was like a breath of fresh air.
The girl playing the lead does a pretty decent job too. She's just easy on the eyes and very likable. Did anyone else think she looked a little like a mini version of ex-Sunset Beach babe Susan Ward with longer hair? The plot was easy enough to follow but held my attention and climaxed in an interesting finale with the two mothers mirroring one another in an attempt to save their daughters.
The performances were like a mixed bag of Jelly beans. While most of it was decent, some lines seemed recited and less felt by most of the kid actors in some of the longer scenes.
One of my problems with this was dragging a few scenes a bit too long after the point has already been made. Should've kept the tension going. This happens in like 2 or 3 scenes (one being the classroom scene- like we get it, you see the word garbage in your book while everyone else sees it garage; cool idea, but then it goes on for too long. It kind of takes you out of that tension a little. And this evil Eva girl needs to be expelled, not sent to the principal's office. I was rooting for the ghost to kill her already. Not sure what her problem was? But she was pushing it and the teacher kept hushing her instead of kicking her out right from the start. Public school much?
The movie has its faults and I admit I found aspects of the climax to be a bit unsatisfying, but over all this was a good film with so much promise and talent. There's a scene where the lead actress rides her bicycle to the murdered girl's deserted house, and the style and tone of that whole sequence reminded me of the scene from Mulholland Drive where Naomi Watts ventures out with Rita and go to Diane's apartment, and break in through an unlocked window. I found it unsettling and nostalgic. Also her breaking into the garage reminded me a bit of a scene from The Ring. Those scenes were much better than the longer sit and talk scenes. Those had a lot of funny moments too and smart lines, but were just a tad long.
The dreamy abstract scenes were really cool and fun to watch, and the music that accompanied was chilling, and soft where it needed to be. So it felt like it was another character on its own. The last 10 minutes of the movie felt like it was trying to rush its end, unfortunately.
Overall, I did enjoy watching it and I would say I have a strong urge to see more of what director Yesser Laham has to offer in the future, especially knowing that this is his first directorial debut. So for those people who bash this one but give other up and coming indie films with hardly anyone recognizable a pass, you're being unjust. Good movie, yes. Scary? Not really. Worth seeing? Yes, definitely. We've seen better, but we've certainly seen way worse from first time directors. A solid 7/10 from me.
The story has a promising plot, with characters that actually make sense (although some were only half baked), great cinematic look and locations, with smart casting choices too. David Lee Smith (CSI Miami guy) does a vey beautiful job portraying the father. And seeing Linda Blair in a cameo scene was like a breath of fresh air.
The girl playing the lead does a pretty decent job too. She's just easy on the eyes and very likable. Did anyone else think she looked a little like a mini version of ex-Sunset Beach babe Susan Ward with longer hair? The plot was easy enough to follow but held my attention and climaxed in an interesting finale with the two mothers mirroring one another in an attempt to save their daughters.
The performances were like a mixed bag of Jelly beans. While most of it was decent, some lines seemed recited and less felt by most of the kid actors in some of the longer scenes.
One of my problems with this was dragging a few scenes a bit too long after the point has already been made. Should've kept the tension going. This happens in like 2 or 3 scenes (one being the classroom scene- like we get it, you see the word garbage in your book while everyone else sees it garage; cool idea, but then it goes on for too long. It kind of takes you out of that tension a little. And this evil Eva girl needs to be expelled, not sent to the principal's office. I was rooting for the ghost to kill her already. Not sure what her problem was? But she was pushing it and the teacher kept hushing her instead of kicking her out right from the start. Public school much?
The movie has its faults and I admit I found aspects of the climax to be a bit unsatisfying, but over all this was a good film with so much promise and talent. There's a scene where the lead actress rides her bicycle to the murdered girl's deserted house, and the style and tone of that whole sequence reminded me of the scene from Mulholland Drive where Naomi Watts ventures out with Rita and go to Diane's apartment, and break in through an unlocked window. I found it unsettling and nostalgic. Also her breaking into the garage reminded me a bit of a scene from The Ring. Those scenes were much better than the longer sit and talk scenes. Those had a lot of funny moments too and smart lines, but were just a tad long.
The dreamy abstract scenes were really cool and fun to watch, and the music that accompanied was chilling, and soft where it needed to be. So it felt like it was another character on its own. The last 10 minutes of the movie felt like it was trying to rush its end, unfortunately.
Overall, I did enjoy watching it and I would say I have a strong urge to see more of what director Yesser Laham has to offer in the future, especially knowing that this is his first directorial debut. So for those people who bash this one but give other up and coming indie films with hardly anyone recognizable a pass, you're being unjust. Good movie, yes. Scary? Not really. Worth seeing? Yes, definitely. We've seen better, but we've certainly seen way worse from first time directors. A solid 7/10 from me.
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