Summoning The Spirit

A city couple relocating to a home in the forest discover a commune on the neighbouring land is home to a cult of sasquatch worshippers harbouring sinister secrets.

Directed and co-written by Jon Garcia, Summoning the Spirit is a strange beast: part meditative melodrama reflecting upon the effects of grief on a relationship, and part solemn eco-horror creature-feature with a strong message about the impact of mankind’s meddling on nature. At the outset it appears to be an intriguing blend of Midsommar meets the likes of Willow Creek, Exists, or The Legend Of Boggy Creek, but to label it as such isn’t fair. While there are parallels with Midsommar – a grieving protagonist struggles through the aftermath of unspeakable loss while being slowly drawn into the ritualistic practices of a strange cult – Garcia’s film is very much its own thing, with its own things to say.

The languorous pace and pensive tone, enhanced by lush cinematography and an eerily tranquil score, help create a sense of unease, as Carla (Krystal Millie Valdes) and Dean (Ernesto Reyes) deal with their loss in different ways and are gradually accepted into the commune. Garcia and co-writer Zach Carter’s screenplay touches on the complexities of grief, how vulnerable individuals can be manipulated by others, spirituality, the power of nature, and sacrifice and appeasement. Many of the cult members are revealed to be struggling with various personal issues and long to disappear into nature to escape the constraints and anxieties of modern society (intrusive technology, imminent environmental and climatic catastrophe).

Garcia gradually builds tension as Carla and Dean’s relationship begins to fracture, and the commune prepares for a forthcoming ritual of appeasement to the 'giants of the forest’ whom cult leader Arlo (Jesse Tayah) claims to telepathically converse with. There’s also an intriguing, albeit very brief subplot involving an imposter within the commune, which works to further reveal the sinister intentions of Arlo. Throughout proceedings, we catch glimpses of the titular spirit, a giant sasquatch, as it wanders ethereally through the sun-dappled woods. These moments are imbued with a strange mystical quality and tread a fine line between absurd and enthralling. After a joltingly bloody climax, an unexpected sense of pathos prevails and while we are left with certain questions unanswered, the screwy yet strangely emotional denouement lingers long.

Possibly a little ponderous for viewers who were hoping for schlocky bigfoot B-movie madness, Summoning the Spirit is nonetheless an oddball creature-feature, which disarms with its introspective tone and thoughtfulness.