The Black Dahlia Haunting (2012) User Reviews (31)

UM.....

[Foutainoflife · 3/10 · 14 July 2018]

We need to talk about this for a moment. Let's start with the horrific reality of how Elizabeth Short died. This woman was tortured for days and died from hemorrhage and shock resulting from concussion of the brain and lacerations to her face. She had also been mutilated after death. The postmortem mutilation consisted of her nether region being shaved, a criss cross pattern cut into that specific area, she had lacerations to her breast and thighs, she had sections of her flesh removed with the most disturbing section being a rose tattoo that she had on her thigh being placed inside her vagina, she was bisected, drained of her blood amd her body was scrubbed clean. There was no presence of seman but since her body had been washed but she was believed to have been sexually violated. She had been missing for six days and it was believed that she had been dead for between 8-12 hours when her body was discovered. This was truly a horrific murder. It is the stuff of nightmares and she, unfortunatly, lived it and no one has ever been held accountable for her brutal death.

With that said, it is understandable that there have been many movies made about this crime because it is truly terrifying to know that there is this type of evil among us. I really liked the idea of this film. How would the ghost of Elizabeth short haunt this earth? She could want revenge. She could feel confused not understanding that she had died at the age of 22 or she could possibly be a sort of guardian angel for women who she believes to be in danger. There are a lot of things you could do with this concept.

So with this film, um, I'm not satisfied. I know it is a B movie but I believe that I know how to give credit where credit is due and the only thing that this film has going for it is the fact that it revolves around Elizabeth Short's death. That's it. Not much more to say.

The acting lacked realism. The sound wasn't good. The scenes were choppy. Maybe I missed it but the story about how she came into Tyler's life wasn't explained. I thought the cave scenes were stupid and unnecessary. The lady they picked to play Elizabeth Short looked nothing like her. I found it strange that they chose the name of Norma Jean for Elizabeth Short's friend when there has been no evidence that they knew each other as such. That scene was supposed to be set in 1947 but Norma Jean started going by Marilyn Monroe in 1946. It just wasn't good for me.

Check it out if you're curious but you've been warned.

Attrocious!

[jffbittner · 2/10 · 3 October 2018]

This movie just did zero for my taste. I love mysteries having to do with true crimes. And as another bonus, it happened in the 1940's, and it went unsolved. The film could not get my interest. It was nasty acting, low budget, poor sound, corny script. Sorry, not worth my time.

Brandon Slagle's Contribution to the Black Dahlia Legend

[thomandybish-15114 · 3/10 · 14 April 2024]

Director Brandon Slagle is an indie filmmaker with a long list of credits, most of which are competently made and offer something--cinematography, fascinating visuals, gutsy subjects for small budget films-to hold viewer interest. An overarching tendency is to take existing properties or narratives and put his own unique spin on them. Other efforts include takes on Charles Manson and the Amityville Horror. Here, he chooses the unlikely story of Elizabeth Short, a young woman murdered in post WWII Hollywood whose unsolved murder has become the stuff of legend, so much so that most of what is passed off as fact about the tragic femme is in fact, fiction. Slagle weaves together several ideas that no one has linked to Short, namely that her vengeful spirit possesses the living to exact her revenge and that a pre-fame Marilyn Monroe was her friend. These concepts are cobbled together with some sort of story about a young girl arriving in Hollywood to sort out the death of her father at the hands of her blind half-brother. It doesn't make a lick of sense, but it doesn't have to, as most people watching have no idea who Elizabeth Short was. This seems to be an effort by Slagle to piggyback on an existing narrative, even if that narrative wouldn't resonate with most viewers. The film seems poorly paced; some judicious editing would tighten things up considerably. Slagle also takes liberties with the main elephant in the room: Short's murderer. Despite numerous writers, detectives, and others making claims as to who the killer was, the case is still officially open. Slagle's implication that Short was somehow complicit in her own death due to some liking for S&M is sleazy and distasteful. Erratic, jumbled, and ugly. Pass, pass, pass!

Please read this review 2 hrs of ur life depends on it!!!!!

[Mulle928 · 1/10 · 26 October 2013]

Worst movie i have ever seen. Only finished watching it to see if it would ever redeem itself. Sadly, the movie never improved. I never write reviews but was so annoyed this movie actually made it this far that i was compelled to do everything i can to help others avoid wasting their time and money on this movie. The best part of this movie is the DVD art on the case. As for the worst part, i cannot narrow that down so i will list them and why i feel that way: Audio quality is intentionally poor, doesn't create any effect other than raising the volume. Dialogue is non existent. I could have written this script in minutes and it would have been less clichéd. Acting is atrocious. Not just the lead actress but everyone. Finally the camera shots and angles and focus are just annoying. It just seems like the kind of movie wanna be indie rock kids say no one else gets cause its sooooo good,then they grow up and realize it sucks when they have kids of their own and their kids make an equally excruciating film in their intro to cinematography class for university of phoenix online. Sorry for the rant, just trust me this movie isn't so bad it comical like sharknado. Its so bad u write ur first review ever just so no one else has to experience cliché after cliché and stereotypical independent film must haves. Anyone that writes a good review is lying or takes offense because they are an equally untalented artist or are friends with someone involved with this travesty.

Awful Movie with erroneous facts

[aaronlp0077 · 1/10 · 28 October 2013]

This movie was awful. To start this was a low budget movie and in such the acting was equally the same. The big name was Britt from TAPS his role in the movie was OK at best. That aside this movie stated incorrect facts. One of those would be when the line was said you remember my grandfather Steven Hordell? NO NO NO In real life the Father was George Hordell the son is Steven who is a former detective trying to solve the case of the Black Dahlia and has implicated his Grandfather as the Prime suspect. There were other facts that were erroneous that I wont get into and a ton of other facts that I think should have been in the movie. This movie even as a low budget movie could have been written better. A lot better.

starsIF YOU CAN'T HURT THE ONES YOU LOVE, HURT THE ONES YOU'RE WITH

[nogodnomasters · 1/10 · 18 July 2018]

This is a low budget indie film which combines the 1947 Hollywood Black Dahlia slaying with modern times through a haunting if you couldn't tell by the title. Holly(B-movie goddess Devanny Pinn) goes to Hollywood to see her institutionalized blind half brother Tyler (Noah Dahl) who just shot his parents, one of which was her father too, of which Holly seems unemotional. Dr. Brian Owen (Britt Griffith)cares for Tyler. Britt is perhaps best known for his uncredited role as "the tattoo zombie".

Holly stays in a room that has the TV from "Poltergeist." The boring present is eventually interrupted by boring flashbacks to 1947. The acting is as bad as the direction, dialogue and writing. It is on the low end of the indie films, barely keeping its head above the cheese. The concept for the film isn't bad, although it has been done a gazillion times before, normally with "Jack the Ripper" but not the Black Dahlia.

Not worth a Redbox rental even with Devanny Pinn.

Parental Guide: Deals with rape and abortion. Shows a woman with a coat hanger. Near nude shower scene with strategic arm placement. IMDB claims it has the F-bomb in one scene, although I didn't recall any in my Redbox version.

Generational haunting

[DBlackthorne · 1/10 · 22 January 2024]

Relatives from the Black Dahlia case become possessed by their ghosts to re-enact deadly events.

A girl seeking her estranged blind brother after her father dies, leads her to a psychopathic psychiatrist in Los Angeles. Complements on the thorny vines tattoos armwraps. Marilyn Monroe to-be Norma Jean features herein as Elizabeth Short's friend.

Of note, the majority of the film takes place in and around the dreaded Cecil Hotel where she frequented, with a scene at the actual murder spot on S. Norton Ave. Between W. 39th & Coliseum Streets in Leimert Park.

The original perpetrator is played by Monster Man horror prop master Cleve Hall, making a great villain. Overall, pretty good psychological horror. In the end, justice is indeed blind.

World premiere viewing

[hidlu · 10/10 · 16 September 2012]

Just saw this movie at the world premiere at the Scare-a-Cuse Horror Sci-Fi convention last night (9/15). The movie is not a glamorized version of the Black Dahlia story which makes it stand out from the normal covering of this horrific unsolved homicide from 1947. The movie is not for the squeamish.

Brandon Slagle's direction and screen play are riveting. He is able to use the psychological thriller in ways that evoke Alfred Hitchcock. There is definitely a film noir feel throughout the movie and his use of the black screen is effective not detracting at all from the plot progression.

The Black Dahlia Haunting

[craykclan · 7/10 · 26 October 2013]

What a different twist to an old news story!.. I have had the pleasure of meeting Britt Griffith (Dr. Brian Owen) on several occasions and all I can say is I will have to look at him in a whole new light.. For the most part I like this movie, it was kind of slow paced in a few places. And I have to ask if anyone knows the significance of Dr. Brian Owen playing with his wedding ring and then taking it off? Also with the man named Malcolm (Brandon Slagle) who found the knife that I guess killed Elizabeth Short, was a little confusing to me. I do know that I own this movie now so I will be able to go back and re-watch it to maybe see if I missed something. Good job Britt on your first acting adventure!

Definitely Worth Seeing, and Stays With You

[victimsofretail-483-6334 · 9/10 · 22 September 2012]

I had the great pleasure of meeting some of the cast members before seeing the film's premiere a short while ago. While the temptation is there to say nice things because of that, I find there's no need, as I walked away with nice things to say anyway, and false compliments do no one any favors. What may draw many to the movie, is the acting debut of Britt Griffith. If you recognize that name, it's because he is a regular in the SyFy Networks television hit "Ghost Hunters". I'm proud to report he did an amazing job, not awkward or over-rehearsed or anything like that. He's a natural, and his Character really pulls you in. The Female Lead, Devanny Pinn, also stunning, goes through changes in the film that, while subtle, have actions that speak louder than words, and ultimately employs some empathy for her Character. It's hard to speak about the plot of the film without giving too much away, and the viewer should go see this film without expectation, for the ultimate experience. Either way, the viewer SHOULD go see the film. Best thing about this film is its Direction. Brandon Slagle gives us a brilliant re-imagining of occurrences regarding the infamous Elizabeth Short murder in 1940's Los Angeles, aka the Black Dahlia, and how consequences still permeate through current times. Some of the understated images, and Character interpretation speak loudly. This film is graceful, elegant, dark, and stays with you long after viewing. It is truly a diamond-in-the-rough, and sets what should be a new tone for Horror. Definitely worth seeing, but you might want to keep the kids away. A 9 of 10 from me.

Love a good ghost story

[stoptheomg · 6/10 · 18 May 2014]

I was lost in the beginning. It was too slow getting to the main part of the story. Amazing lead actress. Not a lot of gore so for those of you that have a sensitive stomach you'll make it through to the end. A lot of dark scenes in this story. But a good ghost story shouldn't be all rainbows and unicorns. I never did see The Black Dahlia movie so I can't really compare or understand completely the plot. All I know is be afraid of ghosts because they will find a way to hurt you. Devanny made a great man-hating bitch. The ending was a bit predictable. Didn't keep me guessing. I'd consider this mild violence, although it did allow the audience to use their imagination on exactly what was being done. No overkill on the blood whatsoever. Horror isn't always just blood baths and body parts.

The Back Dahlia Haunting haunts me

[teresarparker · 8/10 · 30 October 2013]

The Black Dahlia Haunting is no big budget movie, that was obvious from the start, but that is precisely why you should see it. Filmmakers who want, no need, to create find a way with like minded people who will stop at nothing to make movies. The outcome here is amazing and yet simplistic, which is very pleasing to the eye. Mission accomplished. This of is a film chocked full of talent and revenge in many incarnations. It was satisfying from the start although the build up is what you want, right? I had no idea what to expect when I sat down to watch it and I'm glad I didn't because I did not see the plot before it unfolded. This is one hard task to accomplish since so many movies these days are overrun with foreshadowing and needless clues. I enjoyed the acting particularly as these actors bought in to their roles with heart and soul. The directing prowess of Brandon Slagle "Malcolm" brought a micro budget film to life or death in this case with the precision of a surgeon. Nothing was wasted in his efforts. I, like you, am fully fascinated with the mystery surrounding Elizabeth Short and this film helped quench my thirst in the horror movie that could. Bravo!

Review-The Black Dahlia Haunting

[soonergirl_1976 · 7/10 · 15 April 2013]

I was privileged to able to catch a viewing of the Black Dahlia Haunting this past weekend at the Stanley Hotel. This is a wonderful independent film. Suspenseful and disturbing in all the right places . Haunting visual images that leave a very vivid lasting impression in your mind. It is evident the writer did his research thoroughly and stuck to the facts of the main story very closely(location of events, grotesque torture details,background of characters) and then added a few unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on edge. The movie has a solid story line along with great character development. Sadly this movie is based on the true Black Dahlia case that occurred in California in 1947.

Loved the movie!

[vitasfan · 9/10 · 17 September 2012]

I love ghost and supernatural movies, but not classic horror. I do not like gore and violence. This movie struck a great balance. Only the end got a bit much for me. Probably for horror buffs it was mild so not to worry if you are into that genre. Scary-wise it was great! Nice plot and very creepy connection to Black Dahlia without redoing her whole story. They gave an overview so that the viewer would know enough background to follow this plot even if they had never heard of this famous case. The movie is not about the Black Dahlia directly, but a new story connected to the original murder and the ghost of the victim through the characters of this story. The cast was also great, especially the lead actress. In some scenes facial expressions helped the viewer know what was happening,and she nailed it. Loved the way it ended, but won't comment so as not to give a spoiler.

Great film! Mood, atmosphere, and superb cast...

[tomgleba · 10/10 · 19 September 2012]

I've said it many times, to many people: "Brandon Slagle is a talented writer/director and one of these days he's going to make an epic horror film". With "The Black Dahlia Haunting" he may have just done it.

Setting a dark and foreboding tone, you can tell from the first 5 minutes that there will be no happy endings here. Intensity, mood, and atmosphere are the order of the day for Mr. Slagle as he tells the story of a young woman (Pinn) coming to the aid of her estranged younger brother (Dahl), who is accused of murdering their parents. Melding elements of both fact and fiction, "TBDH" is an excellent example of: shots that seem both lush and sparse, scenes that are both frightening and emotionally wrenching, characters that are both benevolent and malignant, and it's this juxtaposition style of film making that makes this picture so un-nerving and disturbing. Those familiar with the legendary case know that there have been reams of material written, not to mention miles of film shot, trying to fit the puzzle of the famously unsolved case together. Slagle manages to bring a fresh, unique take on this well tread territory by weaving a sinister tale of a spirit that definitely is not "resting in peace", and that may or may not have the best intentions in mind when "helping" the people she haunts/possesses. A shower scene between Pinn and Iacono, particularly, ratchets up the creepiness to "11", proving that Slagle, rather than taking the gratuitous route, would rather further add to the slow burn of unease that leads to the grim certainty of the film's cruel climax.

Any film lives or dies (pun intended) on the merits of it's cast. With "TBDH" the cast is nearly perfect! Noah Dahl's portrayal of a blind, obviously disturbed young man is chillingly convincing, Britt Griffith as the doctor who slowly gives in to his perverse desires brings to mind Nicholson in "The Shining" (and that's not the only thing Kubrick-esque that you'll find in this film), and the gorgeous Alexis Iacono brings all of the glamour and hedonism of "old Hollywood" to vibrant, full-blooded life as the titular character. Devanny Pinn shines through the gloom as Holly, the young woman at the center of the evil goings on, and her descent into madness (or redemption) is rendered with precision and emotion, in fact, this is one of the finest performances I've had the pleasure of reviewing this year. Slagle, who does the "paranoid crazy guy" better than anyone in the business, gives a believable twist as Malcolm. Cleve Hall (t.v.'s "Monsterman"), also brings the requisite sleazy creepiness to Steven Cordell, the man behind the original murder, the outright glee he brings to a sadistic set-piece has to be witnessed to be believed! Glamming it up to excellent effect as Marilyn Monroe, Jessica Cameron makes an appearance that will only serve to add to her increasingly impressive resume. Perfect casting is another facet to this dark diamond.

"The Black Dahlia Haunting" is a triumph for all involved for the simple fact that it delivers. No "gross outs", no "torture porn", and no "jump scares", just a precise, effective ghost story, told and executed by an extremely gifted group of horror's "new guard", proving that budget, once again, will never top talent.

I LUVD it ~ very creepy to me

[nitrojill · 9/10 · 13 December 2013]

I'm not a pro at reviewing movies & I checked the spoiler box just in case I give something away. I liked this movie. I "bought" it online at AmazonPrime & I also finally was able to buy a copy online. I know some of the actors in it and I thought they did a great job. I thought the storyline was very interesting. I could follow it along and it made sense. It creeped me out. There are many versions of the Black Dahlia out there and this one was different. The brother kills his parents & his doctor tracks down his sister to try & get info. I don't want tot give away the rest of it so I say go see it. The only thing I thought could have made it better was if it was longer and they drew out the story more. I loved the blood & gore & the story. I thought these people did a great job making this movie.

Awesome Movie!

[DesertFlamingo · 9/10 · 31 October 2012]

I had the opportunity to watch 'The Black Dahlia Haunting' at PollyGrind Film Festival. There was great acting from the entire cast! Brandon Slagle did an excellent job as Writer/Director. He did a great job playing the character role of Malcolm as well. Devanny Pinn did an excellent job as lead Actress. She was amazing playing the character role of Holly Jenson. The shower and desert scenes were great. There was really cool shots and editing. I recommend this movie to anyone that is looking to watch a great crime horror mystery! I thought Halloween would be a great time to review this movie. I rate a 9 out of 10.

A breath of fresh air

[piercj1 · 9/10 · 23 September 2012]

I was fortunate to be at the premiere of The Black Dahlia Haunting at Scare A Cuse this past weekend and I found the movie to be brilliant. The story line was a new take on the story of Elizabeth Short or The black dahlia as the media called her. It was an intense experience and pulled no punches when it came to showing Elizabeth Short for who she really was, though you still feel bad for what happen to her in the end. The cast really made the storyline come to life. It was dark and disturbing but in a good way. I don't want to give anything away so if you get an opportunity, see this movie, especially if you are familiar with the Black Dahlia story.

Excellent Route to Success

[juliendelattre · 10/10 · 23 October 2013]

Brandon Slagle is an excellent director/actor. With the Black Dahlia Haunting, he shows the essence of Elisabeth Short through Alexis Iacono's act. The main actress Devanny Pinn was perfect. I was happy to see Britt Griffith (Ghost Hunters) in another kind of role. It was new for me. Adrian Marcato really did an excellent job on the makeup for Alexis Iacono's face. It was nice to see some flashback of Elisabeth Short with Marilyn Monroe. Noah Dahl worked really hard for his character. it must be very difficult to play a blind teenager. The music and the sets were interesting. In overall, the Black Dahlia Haunting was incredible. I would like everybody to watch it.

Excellent Paranrmal/Horror Spin Of The Black Dahlia

[kzzmyazz93 · 10/10 · 25 October 2013]

Britt is Amazing ! Totally Shocked Me Well Done . If You Love Watching Britt In GH This Will Blow You Away !! The Storyline is Remarkable Keeps You Guessing The Entire Way Through . The Cave Scene at the Beginning Needs Viewer Attention Or You'll Miss That Character Developing and His Part in the Plot but That was Made up for by the Quite Unexpected Change In The Female Character Towards the End .Onto Britt WOW!!! I Will Admit I Went into this Thinking "The Guy From GH " . That Will be Your Biggest Mistake Britt Does an Excellent Job . You Get The GH Britt at first BUT THEN ..... (You Have To Watch It :P ). This Movie In My Opinion Will Keep You as Well Entertained as Most Any Big Time High Dollar Movie Out There and I'm Not Saying This Because I Love GH I'm Saying This Because I Watched Because he was From GH and Was SOOO Blown away by the Movie It's Actors And Content it was worth the time from my Day to Sit Here And Write This out so It Doesn't Get Sewt Aside Like The 50 Or so I Watch In A Week . I Expect Great Things From These Guys In The Future !!! I See Me Starting A Collection Of These Keep Up The Most Excellent Work and I Will Be Excited To See More From You .

Effective genre twisting of ghost, horror,& true crime

[billpmurphy · 8/10 · 20 November 2012]

I had the good fortune of attending the ShockFest Film Festival on Nov 16, 2012 and watched the new film The Black Dahlia Haunting. I enjoy a good scare, and usually settle in at night with a good horror movie although I also can get absorbed when watching a supernatural thriller. I also happen to enjoy retrospective accounts of notable infamous events. Imagine my surprise to see all three delivered simultaneously with confidence by the film's writer and director, Brandon Slagle. In less capable hands the script could have become convoluted but Slagle helmed the project successfully.

Since I have been a paranormal researcher for many years, I was curious to see how that aspect of the story would be handled. One of the film's stars, Britt Griffith, is an actual paranormal investigator and has no doubt seen how a haunting can affect those who live with discarnate personalities. I have known Britt for several years, and was curious to see his portrayal of Dr. Owen, one of the key characters in the movie. His pivotal role required a range that any performer would see as a challenge and he rose to the occasion.

In fact, each of the cast members did admirable jobs and I could not help but notice that as the movie neared it's climax, some in the audience began to gasp and some people seemed frozen in their seats. The movie has a story that at times moved some people to tears, and prompted others to cover their eyes. There are some plot twist I didn't see coming, and some scenes could be seared into your memory. Alexis Iacono's performance as Elizabeth Short reminds us that at the center of ghost story is an unforgettable spirit.

Awesome movie!!!

[reno58 · 10/10 · 14 April 2013]

I saw this movie last night at the Stanley Hotel and absolutely LOVED IT!!!

The actors/actresses were amazing. Britt Griffith was CREEPY, but gave an awesome and VERY convincing performance!! Definitely 100% different than how he is in person and on the TV Show Ghost Hunters!!

I loved the way the plot intermingled between the different characters and tied everything together. The scenes between Holly and the Black Dahlia was really cool. There was one disturbing scene, I think everyone in the viewing cringed (including the men).

Cannot wait for this to be released to DVD so I can purchase it!!!!

good movie

[rebecca7374 · 8/10 · 23 October 2013]

The first scene confused me. Would be better if the knife was found during a bonfire party on the beach(outside the cave) with other people. The Norma Jean and Elizabeth Short scene didn't make any sense. It took 25 mins for things to pick up/make sense. Once it did, wow. Wicked, eery, and twisted. Britt did a great job playing a psycho. Now I understood the method of how Elizabeth Short was killed. But if there was so much evidence against the doctor and nurse, why weren't they arrested? What happened to them? Imo, I agree that she WAS killed by two ppl, but not the ones in question. I believe that it was an actress( that was jealous of her) and her boyfriend and that she was lured out to the field where her body was found

An impressive take on a cold case

[dorihart · 9/10 · 9 October 2012]

First and foremost, if you have the opportunity to see this film, do so! I had the pleasure of seeing a screening of the film in Sacramento, CA and I think I've told everyone I have seen about it.

I'm not a fan of most horror, mainly because it's all pretty much been done before. I like blood, just not senseless blood and guts. I like the supernatural, if it's done right. With that being said, I really enjoyed this film. It brought both of these elements together in a perfect blend, blood and the supernatural. If you are going in expecting the same old crime drama/horror movie, think again. It was fresh, dark and had some bloody scenes, but nothing too gory. However, this film is probably not for the squeamish. It is great to see such a change from the remakes that are out there now.

I also dislike when I go into a suspenseful movie that is full of "twists", but you know how it's going to end in the first five minutes. That is not the case with The Black Dahlia Haunting, it kept me guessing all the way to the end. Devanny Pinn had a challenging roll, but she was able to make you feel for her character. As another reviewer wrote, "Britt Griffith made my skin crawl", and that he did. The cast and director, Brandon Slagle gave depth and life to the characters. I look forward to their next project!

Brilliant twist to an infamous tale with an amazing cast! Best indie movie in years!

[joshuatree0103 · 10/10 · 1 November 2012]

This profoundly gripping film written and directed by Brandon Slagle was nothing short of brilliant. Slagle took the infamous story of Elizabeth Short, otherwise known as The Black Dahlia, and gave it a uniquely haunting twist that is guaranteed to thrill viewers of multiple genres. His creative writing took this film to a whole new level of intensity and suspense with its supernatural spin and horror combination. Lending to this well told story is the incredible performances by a well chosen cast. Devanny Pinn captivates the audience with her stunning portrayal as the beautiful sister to an institutionalized boy, played by Noah Dahl. Pinn's performance is both persuasive and increasingly disturbing as the main target of brooding evil by both the spiritual realm and the deranged vengeance of Dr. Brian Owen. Britt Griffith gave an amazingly disturbing performance as the dark and calculated psychiatrist (Owen). His superb ability to show the inner struggle between good and evil was absolutely astonishing. Griffith has been compared to Jack Nicolson in "The Shining" and there is no question why. Just like Nicholson, Griffith doesn't even need to speak to evoke a sense of unsettling fear and uncertainty. It's as if his eyes are the window to his soul, and his menacing glare says it all. Let's just say that Griffith is the epitome of creepy and downright unnerving at times. Also noteworthy is the sadistic tension between Griffith and Pinn's characters that, through their synergistic performances, is made palpable. To lend to the creep factor in this film is the performances by Brandon Slagle and Cleve Hall. Slagle left me feeling his characters anguish and despair, while at the same time intriguing me with his crazy and erratic behavior, never sure what his next move might be. Hall portrays a perverse evil that is so sinister that it provokes an immediate sense of anxiety and terror. Alexis Iacono's eerie performance as the spirit of Elizabeth Short was marvelous. A true highlight for Iacono was an edgy shower scene that was well played and convincingly haunting. Jessica Cameron as the lovely Marilyn Monroe was impressive and delightfully entertaining, as was Noah Dahl in his role as a young man who is institutionalized for the murder of his parents. Both Cameron and Dahl were fantastic in their supporting roles adding clout to Slagle's choice in casting. This was one of the most entertaining and intriguing Independent films that I've seen in years. I found myself putting the pieces of the story together while watching intently for additional clues in an attempt to predict the next twist. Slagle kept me guessing, making this a thrilling tale that kept me glued to my seat.