Lower Spirits: Episode 1

Director - Aaron Thompson
Starring - Eric Romero, Brandon Guiles, and Aaron Thompson
Release Date - 2016
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline - "The truth is out there.  Sort of"
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The internet has forever changed the way we see movies and television.  It gave viewers access to new ways to see these like YouTube and Netflix.  Sadly, it gave viewers too much access resulting in digital pirates and artists and filmmakers having their work stolen from them with no compensation.  It also created new ways for directors to get content out.  Web-series is one of those creations that I believe is highly under utilized.  Over the years I have seen some great web-series like The Guild, Bite Me, and Video Game High School.  The world really needs more web-series like these.  Recently, the Horror Society page was contacted to check out episode one of a new web-series.  This mockumentary, Lower Spirits, follows a group of paranormal investigators as they follow up on claims of the paranormal.  Thanks for letting me check this one out!

     This episode follows two investigator who respond to a call about a young woman who is supposedly under possession.  They get their film crew together, along with a priest, to document them as they visit the home of the young woman.  They attempt an exorcism and think they succeed but when she starts showing signs of possession again they must try a new approach.
     I'm not a paranormal or mockumentary kind of guy.  Most of the mockumentaries I've seen in the past were not something I've enjoyed.  This is Spinal Tap is one that I did enjoy but for the most part I was not a fan.  Lower Spirits is one I can actually get behind.  The show had a great set up that I could see only gets better as more episodes are pumped out.  The acting in this one is so-so.  The cast shows a lot of heart and dedication but some of the scenes just fell flat.  More experience and practice would have went a long way in regards to that.  With that being said, all the characters are fun.  I can't wait to see where they go next.  The story for this one is one not really that original but did take a unique approach to it.  We have seen several mockumentary/found footage style films that follow a person, crew, or man of the cloth as they hunt ghosts and the link.  However, very few went about it in a comical way as Lower Spirits.  The characters are fun and well written and the first situation makes good use of that tone.  I am very much looking forward to them encountering a cryptid.  Finally, those of you looking for blood and gore will not find them here.  Hell, you won't even see some visual effects but you will find a great deal of oddball humor.  Overall, Lower Spirits looks like it will be a show that I will frequently watch.  It has some great characters and a solid premise.  If you like comedy mixed with the paranormal then this show was made for you.  Check it out.