Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Ash and Bone’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Ash and Bone’.
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One particular aspect of the horror genre that makes it so wondrous and engaging, is the sheer fact that horror serves as something of a time capsule. For these movies reflect the zeitgeist of the era in which they were made. For instance, the horror features of the 60s and 70s were angry and visceral in nature and properly examined and reflected the civil unrest of the era. Whereas horror flicks from the 1980s and 1990s were as bombastic as those decades and as kitschy as they were at times. And of course, the turn of the century horror films deeply reflected a society in fear, one that was reeling from devastating attacks and uncertain times. 
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Which leaves one to wonder, what kind of zeitgeist horror films from this modern era are going to capture. For these are strange times for certain, filled to the brim with a different kind of uncertainty about our world, courtesy of unique unrest and invisible evils that can quite literally infect us and kill us. Not to mention, there is a different kind of anger in our world now, one that seems directionless in nature but burns as hot as any fury from the past. But there are some foundational reasons for this kind of chaos and confusion and believe it or not… there is indeed a horror feature out there now that does a phenomenal job of not only encapsulating the turbulent times, we are living in, but works to make some sense of them in Ash and Bone.

A feat that his movie accomplishes by introducing us to a family in crisis. For the Vanderbilts have been dealing with a lot of turmoil in their lives as of late. For young Cassie loves to rebel against her father and his decision to remarry following the death of the family’s matriarch, and that prompts Lucas to drag Cassie, and his new wife, Sarah, to his hometown. To get away from the city and the trouble it brings and heal as a new family. A decision, that goes about as well as one might expect, since there is minimal interest on Cassie’s part to make nice. In fact, she’s down to make trouble and sadly… finds it easily with some new friends when she convinces them to take her to the McKinley residence. A house surrounded by disturbing urban legends… they discover to be true. Which prompts the McKinley family to act to keep their secrets safe. A decision that risks the lives of every member of the Vanderbilt family, and those newfound friends, courtesy of this newly uncovered evil.

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Which is a plot that seems grounded deeper in homage of The Last House on the Left or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre over commentary on our modern world and there’s merit to that. After all, there are a great many scenes and visuals that do indeed pay proper tribute to those films, and there are moments here that embrace the sheer savagery of those stories. In fact, that savagery is what brings forth the horror elements in this tale, since the McKinley’s are indeed relentless in their hunt to have their secrets kept away from the world and when they opt to strike, they do so in a glorious and gory, and ugly manner that downright leaves you… uncomfortable and nauseous. But it is the stuff in between the carnage that manages to speak more to our modern world and puts confusing times into perspective.
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As it turns out, this is a movie that makes it clear that we are living in an era of transition for America. Where the generational divide has reached critical mass because the old guard can’t accept that the new guard will take over and change that which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the unique conflict between Cassie and Lucas. And it also speaks to the transformative nature of the country itself, where some are fighting desperately to maintain old ideals and old traditions that no longer work in an era that is ready to transition to something new. Not to mention, the story also features fascinating commentary on the sides that people are taking politically and how each side views one another, and why. Adding depth to this story and this commentary, also helps us to understand why this era in our history is so angry and it also oddly helps us to understand, this too shall pass, and that surprise message and the commentary here makes for one powerful horror film.

One that really features everything that makes the genre great. Because it has quality kills and perfectly timed and impactful gore, and of course, it features stunning commentary and observations about the state of our world and the anger and chaos we are currently surrounded by. But it also is just a wild ride. One that features two utterly insane villains that make the genre proud, courtesy of their unfettered cruelty and inhuman nature, and it also harbors a magnificent ending that satisfies and well… this is simply a horror film that you should make every effort to see. Because you can never go wrong with an intelligent horror film that offers that perfect balance of commentary and carnage.  

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