Until today I had never seen this movie. In fact, I only vaguely remember its box art. I trust that if Scream Factory went up to bat for this release that it must be pretty damn good, so I’m quite excited to see what I’m in for. As opposed to a normal review this will be a stream of consciousness write-up as I watch the film.
Right off the bat the movie feels like a weird episode of Tales from the Crypt. The music has that anthology feel and I believe it is in fact an anthology movie starring Vincent Price as Mr. White (who I assume is our Crypt Keeper).
The film begins with a lethal injection execution which makes me question if this is an anthology film. Currently a reporter is asking Vincent Price (which is what I’ll refer to him as throughout this write up) about his niece’s history (turns out his niece is the one who was executed). I think I see where this is going. Price is discussing how his niece is just one in a long line of people born to be murderers in the town of Oldfield. I think I could really dig this movie.
Our first story is about Stanley. The Tales from the Crypt vibe I felt earlier is only stronger this time around. There’s a multi-layered dream sequence, bizarre imagery and comic-book level sex jokes. However anything that could be moderately seen as light-hearted disappears after the second death. It’s one of the more disturbing and depressing things I’ve seen in a horror film. Not because of gore or shock but because of the relationship between victim and murderer and the victim just yelling “why” over and over again. Sadly this darkness is offset by a really confusing ending.
Apparently this film was released under the name “The Offspring” inspired by this first segment. Personally I don’ think it’s a very good title but if you like it the Blu-Ray comes with a reversible cover.
The second story is absolutely a Tales from the Crypt episode. It’s dark, gritty and has some creative edits as well as an ending that’ll freak you out. Whatever I disliked in the first story is completely gone in this second story.
The third story takes place at a carnival, so I automatically like it. I’m obsessed with carnival themed horror movies. I think it’s because of an unhealthy obsession with the movie Freaks. Who knows. My biggest issue with this story is that it’s two voodoo/witchcraft inspired tales back to back which is the most boring thing to do in anthology horror if you ask me.
The fourth story didn’t really hold my attention at all. It takes place during civil war times with a bunch of soldiers being tortured by war orphans. It’s bizarre but not as interesting as the other stories.
Also I’m questioning Mr. Price’s reliability as a storyteller and how big the town of Oldfield is exactly. I’m having trouble accepting that all 3 of locations so far are all in the same town.
All in all I’m glad I watched this movie. While I didn’t adore it, the whole film is worth watching just for that second story. The rest of the stories are decent enough but the second story is definitely the highlight of the film.
Pick up your copy of From a Whisper to a Scream from Scream Factory. While there check out some of their other films (like the Ghoulies double feature)
Matt Kelly is the host of the Saint Mort Show Podcast and co-host of the Reddit Horror Club. He also runs the Every Damn DVD blog and why not get him something off his Amazon Wishlist to watch.