They Reach is a horror film released in 2020, directed by Sylas Dall and starring Mary Madaline Roe, Morgan Chandler and Eden Campbell. The movie is set in the small town of Willowbrook, Oregon, in the 1970s, and follows the story of 15-year-old Jessica, who discovers a mysterious box that unleashes a demonic entity. The film begins with a scene of a mysterious figure placing an old wooden box in a hidden place in the woods. The story then focuses on Jessica and her younger brother Sam, who live with their father in Willowbrook. Jessica is an aspiring filmmaker and often records everything with a Super 8 camera. One day, while exploring the woods, she comes across the hidden box and takes it home.
As Jessica starts to investigate the box, she discovers that it belonged to a man named Raycom, who was a scientist experimenting on inter-dimensional portals. However, his experiments went wrong, and his daughter became possessed by a demon named Athoth. Raycom tried to keep Athoth contained in the box, but Jessica has now unknowingly set her free.
Jessica begins to experience strange occurrences around her, and it is revealed that Athoth is trying to possess her. As the demon grows stronger, it starts to unleash havoc on the town, possessing and killing anyone who gets in its way.
The only hope for Jessica and her family is to find a solution to stop the demon from spreading. Together with her father, brother, and two friends, Becker and Cheddar, they try to figure out a way to send Athoth back to her dimension. In their quest to stop Athoth, they must navigate through dangerous and hellish obstacles, including fighting demonic creatures and entering parallel dimensions.
The direction of the movie is spot on as the creepy atmosphere and visual effects make for an eerie experience. The use of Super 8 cameras gives the movie an authentic 70s feel, and the sets and costumes are well-done, lending a sense of nostalgia to the viewer. The acting is also commendable, especially by Mary Madaline Roe, who carries the film with her portrayal of Jessica's desperation and fear.
They Reach is not just a horror film, but also a coming-of-age story that highlights the importance of family and friendship. The film explores the concept of growing up and the difficulties one faces during adolescence, while also adding a supernatural element that keeps it interesting throughout.
Overall, They Reach is a well-made horror film that blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, providing scares while also delivering a powerful message. The movie may not be for everyone, given its 70s setting and retro Super 8 quality, but for those who appreciate the genre, it is a must-watch.
They Reach is a 2020 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.