Ace American tattoo artist Jake Sawyer (a solid and credible performance by Jason Behr) unwittingly unleashes an enraged and powerful spirit after he borrows an old tattoo instrument while delving into the ancient exotic world of Samoan tattoos. Sawyer must find a way to stop the spirit before it eventually kills his new girlfriend Sina (well played by the fetching Mia Blake).
Director Peter Burger relates the absorbing story at a gradual pace, makes nice use of the flavorful New Zealand locations, grounds the fantastic premise in a plausible everyday reality, and puts a welcome and admirable emphasis on tension and spooky atmosphere over cheap scares and excessive graphic gore. The fresh and interesting script by Matthew Granger and Jonathan King not only offers a fascinating and illuminating exploration of Samoan culture and religious beliefs, but also provides an extra affecting element of pathos with the whole theme of shame. The capable acting by a sturdy cast holds this picture together: Robbie Magasiva as the leery and apprehensive Alipati, David Fone as the jolly, yet suspicious Mr. Va'a, Caroline Cheong as the spunky Victoria, Nathaniel Lees as the angry Mr. Perenese, Michael Hurst as the hearty Crash, and John Bach as the doomed Lazlo McFadden. Both Leon Narbey's glossy cinematography and the spare shuddery score by Peter Seholes are up to par. A refreshing and different fright film.
Director Peter Burger relates the absorbing story at a gradual pace, makes nice use of the flavorful New Zealand locations, grounds the fantastic premise in a plausible everyday reality, and puts a welcome and admirable emphasis on tension and spooky atmosphere over cheap scares and excessive graphic gore. The fresh and interesting script by Matthew Granger and Jonathan King not only offers a fascinating and illuminating exploration of Samoan culture and religious beliefs, but also provides an extra affecting element of pathos with the whole theme of shame. The capable acting by a sturdy cast holds this picture together: Robbie Magasiva as the leery and apprehensive Alipati, David Fone as the jolly, yet suspicious Mr. Va'a, Caroline Cheong as the spunky Victoria, Nathaniel Lees as the angry Mr. Perenese, Michael Hurst as the hearty Crash, and John Bach as the doomed Lazlo McFadden. Both Leon Narbey's glossy cinematography and the spare shuddery score by Peter Seholes are up to par. A refreshing and different fright film.