The twenty-second feature from THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE / THE HAZING director Rolfe Kanefsky is THE BLACK ROOM, a horror film that Kanefsky crafted to be a throwback to the classic supernatural horror movies of yesteryear.
With influences said to include ROSEMARY'S BABY, THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, and THE ENTITY, THE BLACK ROOM has the following synopsis, which was written by Kanefsky himself:
Paul and Jennifer Hemdale have just moved into their dream house. But their happy marriage is about to be put to the test as they slowly discover the secrets inside the black room in their cellar. Something else is already living in the Hemdales’ new home and it is growing stronger every day. It has claimed many victims including MARGRET BLACK, the last owner of the house, who spent most of her life trapping and trying to kill the evil inside.
This lustful supernatural entity feds off human desire, providing unholy pleasure as it destroys everyone in its’ path. Even innocent repairmen who journey down into the basement soon meet horrible end. How do you fight something that feels this good?!
When Paul tries to get to the bottom of this, he is soon taken over by this demonic entity. Now in human form, it is no longer trapped within the walls of the black room and is quick to take advantage of all carnal pleasures of the flesh. Women are the victims of choice for this rampaging hellspawn.
Jennifer and her younger sister, KAREN, begin to suspect that something is wrong with Paul. Karen finds out the truth a hard and painful way, leaving Jennifer and the determined remains of Margret Black's soul to fight the demonic entity that has possessed her husband and threatens to unleash its offspring into the world!
Paul is not the only one changing as Jennifer soon discovers that the black room is not only evil but alive as well, transforming into a pulsating womb where all the victims, dead and those still alive, have been fed and are feeding the growing creature inside that if born, will become unstoppable!
THE BLACK ROOM- “Enter if you dare”.
Natasha Henstridge, Lin Shaye, Lukas Hassel, Augie Duke, James Duval, Dominique Swain, and Tiffany Shepis star.
The film will be making its debut at the Nightmares Film Festival, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio from October 20th through the 23rd. A month ahead of its premiere, a trailer has been released online and can be seen below.
I have been a fan of Kanefsky's work for a long time, so I am really looking forward to seeing THE BLACK ROOM. Judging by the trailer, it's going to be a fun viewing experience. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it to the Nightmares Film Festival, so hopefully a wide release will be following soon after.