Chilling Visions 5 States of Fear

Director: Eric England, Nick Everhart, Emily Hagins, Jesse Holland, Miko Hughes, Andy Mitton

Writers: Eric England, Nick Everhart, Emily Hagins, Jesse Holland, Miko Hughes, Andy Mitton, Jack Daniel Stanley

Cast: Symba, Nicholas Tucci, Thea Trinidad, Ox Baker

Genre: Horror, Anthology

MPAA: Not Rated

Duration: 88 minutes

Release Date: May 31, 2013 (Chiller Network); October 22, 2013 (DVD/Blu-ray)

Budget: Not publicly disclosed

Rating: Mixed reviews from critics and audiences

About the Movie and Production

"Chilling Visions: 5 Senses of Fear" is a horror anthology film released in 2013, featuring five distinct segments, each centered around one of the five human senses: smell, sight, touch, taste, and hearing. The project brought together a team of emerging directors—Eric England, Nick Everhart, Emily Hagins, Jesse Holland, Miko Hughes, and Andy Mitton—each contributing their unique vision to the anthology. The film was initially broadcast on the Chiller Network on May 31, 2013, and later made available on DVD and Blu-ray on October 22, 2013.

Produced by Chiller Films and Synthetic Cinema International, the anthology does not feature a traditional wraparound story. Instead, the segments are loosely connected through the enigmatic company known as Watershed, which plays a subtle role in each narrative. The film explores various horror subgenres, offering a diverse range of storytelling styles and thematic elements.

Plot Summary and Overview

"Chilling Visions: 5 Senses of Fear" comprises five segments, each delving into a unique tale of terror associated with a specific sense:

1. Smell: Directed by Nick Everhart, this segment follows Seth (Corey Scott Rutledge), a man down on his luck after a recent breakup. His fortunes change when a mysterious saleswoman offers him a cologne that promises to enhance his life. Ignoring warnings about overuse, Seth becomes addicted to the scent, leading to unforeseen and horrifying consequences.

2. See: Directed by Miko Hughes, the story centers on Dr. Tom (Ted Yudain), an optometrist who discovers a method to view the world through his patients' eyes. When he witnesses a patient suffering from domestic abuse, he intervenes by projecting terrifying visions into the abuser's mind. However, his interference leads to unintended and dire repercussions.

3. Touch: Directed by Emily Hagins, this narrative follows a young blind boy who, after surviving a car accident that injures his parents, seeks help. His journey leads him to a secluded area where he encounters a killer with a pathological aversion to touch. The boy must rely on his heightened senses to navigate the perilous situation and find safety.

4. Taste: Directed by Eric England, the segment features Aaron (Doug Roland), a hacker invited to the headquarters of the enigmatic Watershed company. There, he meets executive Lacey (Symba Smith), who offers him a lucrative position. When Aaron declines, he is subjected to a harrowing ordeal that tests his resolve and sanity.

5. Listen: Directed by Jesse Holland and Andy Mitton, this found-footage style segment follows two filmmakers investigating an urban legend about a song titled "Listen, My Children," which allegedly causes death upon hearing. As they delve deeper, they uncover disturbing footage of a doctor's experiments with the song, leading them down a path of madness and terror.

Each segment explores the dark and often deadly consequences of sensory experiences, weaving a tapestry of horror that engages multiple facets of fear.

My Personal Review

"Chilling Visions: 5 Senses of Fear" offers a creative exploration of horror through the lens of the five senses, presenting a collection of stories that vary in tone, style, and impact.

The anthology opens with "Smell," which sets a compelling precedent with its blend of dark humor and cautionary tale elements. Seth's transformation from a despondent individual to someone ensnared by vanity and desire serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of superficial pursuits. The narrative effectively balances grotesque imagery with moral undertones, making it one of the standout segments.

"See" delves into the ethical complexities of intervention and the unforeseen consequences of manipulating others' perceptions. Dr. Tom's well-intentioned actions spiral into chaos, highlighting the dangers of overstepping boundaries. The segment raises thought-provoking questions about morality and the limits of empathy, though it could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of its themes.

"Touch" shifts the focus to a more suspense-driven narrative, with the young blind protagonist's vulnerability amplifying the tension. The portrayal of his reliance on non-visual senses to navigate danger is both engaging and nerve-wracking. However, the segment's brevity leaves certain character motivations and backstory underdeveloped, which slightly undermines the overall impact.

"Taste" introduces a corporate horror scenario, with Aaron's encounter at Watershed reflecting themes of temptation and the high cost of ambition. The sterile, business-like setting juxtaposed with the underlying menace creates an unsettling atmosphere. While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels somewhat rushed, and a longer runtime could have allowed for a more fleshed-out narrative.

The anthology concludes with "Listen," a meta-commentary on the dangers of obsession and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. The found-footage approach adds a layer of realism, immersing viewers in the protagonists' descent into madness. The segment effectively builds tension, though it treads familiar ground reminiscent of other cursed-media horror stories.

Overall, "Chilling Visions: 5 Senses of Fear" succeeds in delivering a diverse array