This deserved a theatrical release

This is the kind of movie that is MADE for the big screen, and I'm still scratching my head as to why nobody ever picked this up for a theatrical run and how it ended up flying straight to DVD shelves in packaging that makes it look like a really bad B-movie.

For one, the production quality is exceedingly good— too good for something with a budget that warrants "straight to video". The photography is excellent and the special effects are far above-average. On top of that, there is a reputable cast here; Henry Thomas, Patrick Fugit, Isaiah Washington and Michael Shannon are ALL respectable, well-established actors, and Nicki Aycox, though a smaller "name", is also just as good.

On top of that, this movie is actually really SCARY. I'm a seasoned viewer of horror films and this movie ranks up there among some of the visually freakiest movies I've ever seen. The visuals in this movie are nightmare material and beyond. Add to that the extremely foreboding setting (an old plantation in the middle of a rainstorm), the slowburn atmosphere, and the Southern black magic plot elements mixed in with all the hysteria and desperation of the characters, and you've got yourself an incredible little horror movie.

Can't believe it never saw the silver screen. If there's room for crap like Saw and every horror remake known to mankind, there's surely room for a film like this. Shame on the industry for dropping a film that deserved a lot better treatment than it got.