Set in the not too far dystopian future, History of Evil is something of a curiosity. The US has become a fascist state where civilians have taken siege of the law in the name of God and Country. So, we’re presented with a family on the run; The mother, Alegre (Jackie Cruz) an outspoken author against the regime; her daughter, Dario (Murphee Bloom); and the father, Ron (Paul Wesley). Aided by Trudy (Rhona Dents) the family is forced into hiding, and smuggled to a remote location with aim to reach the border and freedom. Just when you think that their life is harrowing enough, their chosen place of refuge provides a slight twist in the tale, marked by a disturbing past, it carries a dark energy that will slowly ebb away and its new residents until it finds a chink in their armour and worm it’s way into their soul.

Partly presented as a gritty drama, the shift into supernatural horror brings forth images of Stephen King’s The Shining where the family seek shelter from the external forces only to be confronted by those within. The balance of their precarious situation and its impact on the psyche is one that is constantly in question and throw the young daughter the elements are there to chip away and set up a haunting tale.

The Prognosis:

The issue with History of Evil is the method that writer / director, Bo Mirhosseni choses to execute his vision, who slowly draws out the narrative to presumably build up the tension. Instead, it ticks along with an ambling pace that ultimately slips into vacancy, where he runs the risk of checking his audience out of the narrative.

The premise is there but it unfolds with little care and the resolution, though impactful, still sets you adrift and pondering the relevance and purpose of it all.

• Saul Muerte

History of Evil is now streaming on ShudderANZ.