Girl in the Basement

The Basement is a gripping horror film released in 2017, directed by Brian M. Conley and Nathan Ives. The movie features a talented cast, including Mischa Barton, Jackson Davis, Cayleb Long, and Tracie Thoms.

The film had its debut at Shriekfest in Los Angeles on 07 October 2017 and saw a wider release in the United States on 15 September 2018.

The story revolves around a deranged serial killer, Bill Anderson, also known as "The Gemini." He terrorizes and murders his victims in the basement of his home in the San Fernando Valley. The plot thickens when Craig Owen, a famous guitarist played by Long, is kidnapped outside a convenience store while running an errand for his wife, Kelly. He receives flirtatious text messages from a woman named Bianca, which he quickly deletes before being abducted.

As the night unfolds, Bill subjects Craig to horrifying torture, including cutting off his fingers and forcing him to swallow his own teeth. He adopts different personas, such as a clown and a police officer, as he torments Craig. Amid this chaos, Craig manages to obtain a nail file from a character playing his mother, which he uses to free himself. However, his escape is short-lived as he is captured again by Bill, who then forces Craig to confess his sins while dressed as a priest.

The film takes a chilling turn as it is revealed that Kelly has a sinister connection to Bill; they are twins, and she is aware of his murderous actions. Unbeknownst to her, Bill is also aware of Kelly's suspicions regarding Craig's infidelity with Bianca. This revelation sets the stage for a shocking climax in the story.

Among the cast, Barton portrays Kelly Owen, while Davis takes on the role of Bill Anderson. The film also features performances by Cayleb Long, Tracie Thoms, and others.

The screenplay was crafted by Conley and Ives in the fall of 2015, drawing inspiration from classic thrillers like Sleuth, Seven, and The Silence of the Lambs.

The film holds an approval rating of 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 9 reviews, with an average score of 3.43 out of 10. Despite the low score, some critics praised the movie, highlighting its solid script and strong performances, particularly from Davis and Long. The cinematography by Kenneth Stipe received accolades for its cinematic quality, while Aaron J. Goldstein's music effectively heightened the film's tension and occasional moments of humor.

In summary, The Basement is a disturbing horror film that delves into the mind of a killer and the complexity of human relationships. It combines elements of suspense and shock, making it a noteworthy entry in the horror genre.