Beneath Us All

Cast View all

	Sean Whalen	Todd Gibbs
	Angelina Danielle Cama	Julie
	Maria Olsen	Janelle Gibbs
	Jeffrey C. Berry	Coroner
	Yan Birch	Frey
	Harley Wallen	Detective Donovan Booker
	Kaiti Wallen	Rebecca
	Bennie Taylor	Dealer Anthony Cash
	Terri Partyka	Search Party Sheila
	Michael Alexander	Manny
	Ali Amine	Police Officer
	Jessika Johnson	Bunny
	Jim Kirsch	Officer
	Jimmie Chiappelli	Viking Chief
	Jezar Riches	Gangster Lady
	Tevis R. Marcum	Decorated military Veteran
	Shelby Bradley	Mikaela Campbell
	Shawn Jones	Poker Room Security
	Andrew Dawe-Collins	Wingman
	Jerry Hayes	Bud
	Walbert Beltran	Mexican Cowboy
	Alyssa Caswell	Viking Mother
	Mara Kanyon	Poker Room Bartender
	Malachi Myles	Stephen
	Dennis Pank	Irishman

Crew View all

Director	Harley Wallen
Writer	Bret Miller
Producer	Michael James Alexander, Yan Birch, Annette Cama, Nicole Diehl, Bill Dobreff, Scott Huard, Shawn Jones, Dennis Pank, Norbert Pastor, Josh Thompson, Courtney Hamilton Vanloo, Harley Wallen, Kaiti Wallen, Joseph Kelbie Williamson
Musician	Firoze Patel, Kaizad Patel
Photography	Alex Gasparetto

Trailer

Edition details

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Notes

My quick rating - 4.0/10. I was alerted to this low-budget horror film that brings together a modest but effective cast and delivers a grim story with atmospheric tension. Directed by Harley Wallen with an eye for detail, the film offers a harrowing glimpse into the foster care system while intertwining supernatural terror into its story. The story centers on Julie (Angelina Danielle Cama), a foster child nearing her 18th birthday, who stumbles upon a buried artifact with something horrific inside. Julie’s journey is emotional and tense, as she grapples with her circumstances and the sinister presence she has unleashed. Cama gives a decent performance, portraying Julie as a resilient yet flawed protagonist, though some of her character's decisions may leave you questioning her logic. Sean Whalen and Maria Olsen shine as Julie’s neglectful foster parents, Todd and Janelle. Their performances create a realistic depiction of the darker side of foster care, giving the film a grounded and uncomfortable edge. Kaiti Wallen as social worker Rebecca adds a compassionate counterbalance, highlighting the struggles of trying to protect children in broken systems. Yan Birch is hauntingly effective as Frey, the film's monstrous figure, for the short amount of time he is used. The film's aesthetic and technical aspects elevate the narrative. The camera work is solid, capturing the oppressive atmosphere of the foster home and the chilling events that unfold. The limited budget is used wisely, with effective lighting, moody visuals, and well-placed sound design adding to the tension. However, the film does stumble in its pacing and logic. Some of Julie’s decisions require you to suspend disbelief, which detracts from the immersion. Additionally, while the foster care theme feels personal and authentic—perhaps influenced by someone on the crew's firsthand experience—it occasionally overshadows the supernatural elements, creating an imbalance in the story. Once the monsters true nature is revealed, the movie as a whole veers off course and loses the positive momentum it had built. Overall, it is a commendable effort that stands out for its atmosphere, performances, and thoughtful incorporation of social commentary. While not without flaws, it’s a film that fans of low-budget horror with a message might appreciate. Had it stayed the course of the film's first half, it may have been a hit. Thanks to Joe Williamson for the consideration and opportunity to view this flick.

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