Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Prisoners of the Ghostland’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say, that modern horror films follow a pretty standard formula in this day in age. Which isn’t an insult by any means, since said formula delivers time and time again and offers a sense of comfort to the audience. Since they know they’re settling in to watch a story that features a powerful and creepy monster that makes them squirm, alongside some quality gore and stunning scares before the monster is put down and the viewer goes home to think about all the unique commentary present within the story. Since the modern horror film is also known for harboring depth and observations about our world and the problems that currently plague us.
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But while that has made for some fascinating tales of terror, the kind that genuinely unsettle us and explore some powerful notions about humanity, it is always nice to encounter a horror story that breaks from that norm. Since that kind of horror feature, helps to remind us that the genre can be anything and can do anything. Not to mention, outlandish horror, can also find new and exciting ways to explore the same notions as its brethren. In fact, sometimes a bizarre story of sorts can hammer home the point better by way of its abstract nature and really, this type of horror film and what they can do is top of mind today for one reason and one reason alone. In that, Shudder is now host to a supremely unique, off the wall, horror film that is both refreshing and intelligent in Prisoners of the Ghostland.

Now, in this particular story we are transported to a beautiful place known as Samurai Town and well, this majestic and bubbling town is dealing with some hardships right now. For the Governor’s beloved granddaughter Bernice has gone missing after taking off for a joyride one night and well, that motivates the Governor to do something he doesn’t really want to. In that, he will need to release the stranger that tried to rob the town’s bank not that long ago, a crime that ended in so much bloodshed. But alas, a killer instinct is what is needed to bring Bernice home and with a little explosive insurance, this wannabe hero should be able to do just that, and bring peace to the Governor’s town once again, provided of course... the hero can survive the ghosts that haunt the road Bernice disappeared upon.

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Which is a plot that at first glance, seems more in line with a good old fashioned road trip ghost story. One where some kind of cliché to defeat the ghosts would be critical to saving Bernice. But the good news, is that the plot quickly goes to some unconventional places, and this is where a warning is needed dear reader. Because the journey to find this girl takes the hero down some strange roads, pun intended. And those strange moments are super outlandish and artsy and that might turn off some horror fans who are indeed looking for something more traditional. But this writer implores you to stick with the story. Simply because, there does come a point where the horror elements come into play, and they are both glorious and powerful in nature.
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Since in many ways, this particular motion picture is nothing more than a grand exploration of the horrors of the modern world. Since it offers a great deal of observations on class warfare, as evidenced by how Samurai Town genuinely operates, with the Governor enjoying the spoils of his town while his denizens live in squalor and of course, he wouldn’t be a proper reflection of our world if he didn’t relish in exerting power over them in every way possible. Plus, the hero’s journey speaks volumes to the horrors of the past, and how our mistakes and the traumatic moments we have experienced in days gone by, bring us trouble in the present when we don’t deal with them in the slightest. Giving him goals to work toward, the kind that lead to one heck of an ending, one that satisfies horror fans in just about every way imaginable. 

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that there are a bevy of wonderful actors present in this film as well. Since Bill Moseley plays the Governor with a twisted zest and zeal that only he can bring to the character and Sofia Boutella brings a genuine innocence and wonder to Bernice and of course, Nicolas Cage steals the show as the Hero. Since he once again just lets loose here and reminds us that wild horror films are where his acting skills thrive. But all of that aside, this really is an entertaining and refreshing and original horror flick, one that you’ve likely noticed we’ve not spoiled in the slightest and there is good reason for that. Because you need to experience the wonder of this creative film firsthand and you can do that right now, since Prisoners of the Ghostland is now streaming on Shudder.  

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