Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Lords of Salem’

Written by Scott Edwards

Sex, drugs and rock and roll are signs of the devil. Sound familiar? Pretty sure every parent over the age of sixty has said that to you at some point in your life. Although we rebel and continue living our lives as we see fit, could the older generation really be right? That would be a shame, but hey, I guess that instills a bit more trust in someone that should hopefully deserve it.

Reverend Jonathan Hawthorne believed this back in 1696, even though there was not rock and roll, there was strange music coming from the woods around Salem that was meant to have an effect on the women in the town. Margret Morgan and her coven of witches wandered on the outskirts of Salem, looking for a way to bring back their savior, Satan. The Reverend took holy offense against this and brandished his own form of justice against this group, sparking the Salem Witch Trials. 

In present day, Heidi, part of the Big H radio show is struggling to get by. Although she puts on the persona of being a Satan enthusiast on her show, she is just trying to live each day, day by day as she battles her own demons. In her building there is a room, room 5, that cannot seem to be rented at any cost. Seeing someone in the doorway of room 5 one day, she inquires about the room to her land lady Lacy but is told that there is no one currently occupying the place. From this moment on, Heidi’s life starts to take a strange spin.

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​Finishing up her show on Monday night, Heidi receives a record from a group called the ‘Lords’ addressed to her given name. Not thinking too much into to this, Heidi listens to the record. Getting a headache, Heidi is given a glimpse back into 1696 and becomes witness to the moments of the classic Witch Trials. Not knowing what to think about the music or the emotions that the music has invoked inside of her, she removes the record and goes to bed. 

On Tuesday, the Big H interviews author Francis Matthias who is hawking his book on the Witch Trials. Turning on the record at the end of the author's segment, Heidi has the music muted inside of the studio, but Francis is more than intrigued with the music and melodies of the ‘Lords of Salem.’ Throughout the week, Heidi becomes worse emotionally and has to turn back to her old habits for some sort of comfort. Not being in her right mind, Heidi is seeing and hearing things that may not be true, and she believes that her mind is being manipulated by an outside force. Not knowing what she can do, her life begins to spiral out of control and it is being pulled in one direction, down.

The Lords of Salem is the by far Rob and Sheri Moon Zombie's finest work. Looking at how these two have grown directing and acting wise over the years, I am sure you would say the same. One of the greatest things about how Zombie directs, is that he never lets technology get in the way of the story. The Lords of Salem could have been placed in the 70’s or in the 2000’s, and unless you are really paying attention you will never notice the difference. Sharon Moon Zombie is more than just a scream queen, she is the lead taking you on an emotional journey of the young DJ. Showing what it is like being on top, and what happens when you have hit rock bottom (of sorts), she has shown that besides being a psycho killer, she is also able to find the center of someone that is torn between the greatest battle of all. Give The Lords of Salem a look, even though it may not be one of the top rated movies out there, it provides a fantastic story line and superb acting. I will admit, it is one of the new treasured DVD's in my collection. Stay Scared.

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