The Fetch

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In “The Fetch,” directed by J.C. Doler, a man, both husband and father, confronts his inner turmoil after experiencing a heart-wrenching calamity. This psychological horror thriller, simultaneously intelligent and nerve-wracking, skillfully employs horror genre conventions in its sharp, incisive, and terrifying exploration of mental health, past traumas, grief, and forgiveness. The film delves even deeper into these themes, revealing a thematic depth that is nothing short of rich.

In my journey to bring “The Fetch” to life, I encountered quite a few obstacles along the way. It all started with a short film my wife, Taylor Bracewell, and I created together. The idea of turning it into a full-length feature film was presented to us, which led me on a long journey of refining the script over nearly thirty drafts. I found the heart of my story in an ancient Irish legend. However, securing funding proved to be another challenge, one that was compounded by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, my persistence eventually paid off and we were able to bring this film to fruition.

In the aftermath of a deeply moving introduction, this tale – penned by Doler and Paul Peterson – unfolds through the perspective of a character named Nicholas Schultz (Logan Donovan). After enduring an unbearable tragedy where he and his beloved wife Charlie (Aleska Palladino) lose their cherished son Jacob (Tripp Toupal), a devastating accident takes its toll, shattering Nicholas’ life. Struggling to find solace, Nicholas is consumed by his grief, contemplating taking his own life. Miraculously saved by the strength of Charlie’s love, Nicholas eventually finds himself admitted into a state institution, grappling with the unimaginable loss that has forever altered his existence.

After a month, Nicholas goes back to his familiar old farmhouse, which belongs to his family for generations. The location of the accident is hard enough for him to revisit, but things get tougher when Charlie announces she’s leaving him. This surprising news makes us question her decision as thoughtless and self-centered. However, we later find out that Charlie has been battling with her own suppressed sorrow, and she requires some time apart for her emotional health.

Leaving Nicholas by himself, he’s surrounded by his feelings of guilt, sadness, and the lingering pain from past experiences in a house steeped in recollections that echo with sorrow. As part of his release terms, he must endure regular home visits from psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Beaumont (played by Robert Longstreet). These visits involve therapy sessions, medication management, and mild hypnosis. Initially, Nicholas and Andrew don’t see eye to eye. However, Andrew demonstrates understanding and patience, having experienced trauma himself.

However, a sense of disquiet grows as we observe Nicholas being tormented by nightmares of an unsettling nature. Subsequently, he starts hearing malevolent whispers that transform into horrifying hallucinations. This ultimately results in him encountering his “fetch,” a supernatural doppelganger or apparition of himself, as introduced earlier in the script. His fetch is a chilling and grotesque embodiment of his hidden dark self, making it difficult to distinguish between his mental torment and actual reality.

As a dedicated viewer, I’m captivated by Doler’s directorial approach that skillfully blends elements from the horror genre with a profound psychological depth. He masterfully toys with our perception, not just Nicholas’, as we grapple with what’s real and what’s merely a figment of his mind. At times, it pushes our understanding to its limits.

What I appreciate most is the way he incorporates chilling imagery – contorted bodies, milky eyes, decaying fingers – that serves as a stark reminder we’re immersed in a horror narrative. Yet, this isn’t just your average scary movie; it carries an incisive allegorical message that leaves a lasting impact.

Without a doubt, horror movies can take on countless shapes and forms, yet what makes them truly exceptional is their ability to unnerve us while also shedding light on the human experience. “The Fetch”, for instance, manages this feat brilliantly through its thoughtful screenplay, skillful direction, and captivating performances by Donovan and Palladino. Despite not fully exploring all of its concepts, it handles heavy themes with finesse, keeping us engaged in a manner reminiscent of classic thrillers.

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2025-01-22 18:56