As a hardcore horror fan, I was thrilled when I heard about the film Compound Fracture. You see when you put horror heavy hitters Tyler Mane, Derek Mears, and Muse Watson together you know it’s going to be good.
Mane, who has been in MANY horror movies, is best known for his roles as Michael Myers in Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009). Then you’ve got Mr. Mears, 2009’s Jason Voorhees, and most recently, Swamp Thing in the series of the same name. Then there’s Watson, who appeared in several films of the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise. Enough said, am I right?
Compound Fracture centers on Michael (Mane) who returns home to the family compound twenty years after he walked away from his family. In tow is his fiancee Juliett, played by Renae Geerlings, and his nephew Brandon (Alex Saxon) who he has taken in after his sister Annabelle (Leslie Easterbrook) was murdered by her husband William (Mears) before their eyes. Michael comes face to face with his father (Watson) who he resents for the abuse and neglect he suffered as a child and teen. But there’s more to the story, the family harbors a dark secret that soon comes to light as paranormal activity begins to plaque the family.
I found it very interesting where the title comes from. While yes, this is a paranormal horror, the title comes from the trauma that Brandon received at the hands of his demented father. When you just think about a compound fracture you almost cringe with pain. For those who aren’t sure what the injury is, let me fill you in, a compound fracture is when a limb is broken to the point where a bone breaks through the skin. Ouch!
Compound Fracture is not just a haunting tale, it’s all about family sticking together, respecting your heritage, forgiveness, redemption, and healing from past traumas. While there are plenty of scares, the most disturbing aspect is witnessing the abuse and the cycle of violence that the family is trapped in, which got under my skin, being a past victim of domestic abuse myself.
While Mears and Mane have played a lot of silent characters in the past, it’s great to see them really act. Mane emotes the pain, sadness, and frustration of his character so fantastically. Not only did Mane star, but he also co-wrote the film with Renae Geerlings, and produced. Anthony J. Rickert-Epstein directed.
Mears portrays evil so well in every role, but it’s strange, in real life he’s such a kind and funny guy, Mane is as well.
The use of CCTV shots off and on throughout the film was a clever idea. Actually, the cinematography was all-around well done. The special effects, which are CGI heavy, were decent, but I would have like to have seen more practical effects. There were moments that the CGI was left lacking, especially when fire or what appears to be fire is involved.
Compound Fracture left me impressed in many ways. It’s interesting, well written, and it was on my mind for quite a while after the movie was over, the sign of a good film. My verdict? I’m giving Compound Fracture a 4 out 5. I recommend that you check out the movie which is now out on Demand.
