Director: Dakota Aesquivel
Cast: William Sadler, Courtney Gains, Aria London
Production Company: You Never Know Productions
Runtime: 85 minutes
Can ghosts have sex? The question must have crossed your mind at least once. No? Hmm. Maybe it’s just me! Still, if you’re curious about the subject, maybe you should check out Deadly Crush (2018) from director Dakota Aesquivel.
In the movie, a painter goes to a remote cabin in order to reawaken her creative nature. The lodging is haunted by a restless spirit that was the victim of a violent death. The ghost has passionate sex with the woman, and plans to return to life with her help…
The concept reminded me of Ghosts Can’t Do It (1989) starring Bo Derek. Deadly Crush is rooted more deeply in the supernatural, though it does also have comedic elements from time to time. In the end, it probably shares more similarities with Ghost (1990).
Aria London from The Prey (2018) gives a wonderful performance as Brynn, a frustrated artist with an unexpected dilemma. She carries a lot of the movie’s weight on her shoulders, especially since she’s often alone in crucial scenes.
William Sadler from Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995) is excellent as Sheriff Hawkins. He plays an interesting and conflicted character in the movie. It’s great when an actor in a supporting role can show a lot of range.
Judy Tenuta from Monsters on Main Street (2014) and Doctor Spine (2015) adds some humour to the story in her role as a psychic. The whole tone of the movie changes when she shows up! Her appearance is brief, but still really entertaining.
The film also has James William O’Halloran from Cynthia (2018), Courtney Gains from Hell’s Kitty (2018) and Children of the Corn (1984), and Carl Irwin from Lockhart: Unleashing the Talisman (2016) among others. No shortage of talent here…
Aesquivel wrote and directed the movie and also plays Kit, the film’s resident ghost. He previously appeared in another horror film entitled Gilded Cage (2012). His inclusion of a reference to changes in the perception of aboriginal people gives the movie some added heart.
The film boasts a number of visual effects that are extremely well done. Some are digital, but many of them are practical effects that work great too. I also think the movie makes inventive use of split screen, photo montages, wipes, and black and white.
The movie definitely has some erotic moments, but never loses track of the horrific side of things. In fact, that’s what I love most about horror. It goes exceptionally well with so many different genres.
Deadly Crush is both scary and sexy at the same time. There’s also some ghastly gore, an excellent soundtrack, and a satisfying twist ending. Have fun with this one…
– John Migliore
For more information on the film, check out the links below…
Indie Horror Online 