Review: ‘The Deeper You Dig’ Family of Filmmakers Flip the Ghost Story on its Severed Head

The Deeper You Dig is now streaming only on Shudder. Spoilers Ahead!

One of the many joys, as any film lover can attest too, is coming across an unknown title and being overwhelmed by the power of it. What’s even more impactful is delving into that work and learning about the filmmakers involved and discovering their story is as impressive as their work. Finding The Deeper you Dig, now available on Shudder, from the Adams Family was one such discovery for me.

Known for drama and experimental films, the family artisans of Toby Poser, her partner and spouse John Adams and their daughter Zelda Adams decided to tackle a more genre-based story. This time taking on a ghost story but flipping it on its head by making the haunter the protagonist.  Using their film, The Hatred as a proof of concept for this feature, the Adam’s used their surroundings of the Catskills in upstate New York to tell their tale of grief, guilt and the supernatural. 

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Opening in a series of static shots, we find ourselves in a dilapidated home, hearing the tune “After you’re gone” crackling from an old timey radio echo against the exposed walls. Kurt (John Adams) is in the middle of a renovating the house. He is bundled up due to the temperature, dirty from the demolition, and a man of few words due to his nature. 

Ivy (Toby Poser) waits for her daughter, Echo (Zelda Adams) a bright, blue lipped, artistic 14-year-old, after school. The way they speak to each other feels more like lifelong friends than a typical mother / daughter relationship. We discover that Ivy is a medium, who once might have had some skills, but now preys on the grieving with her fake readings. Echo just wants to draw and go sledding in the newly fallen snow. There is a brief scene of the two of them playing in the snow and it really seals the notion on how playful and healthy their bond is.

After eating alone and having a few more drinks than he should, Kurt stumbles back to his truck and heads home. With the snow falling and the lack of lights on the mountain roads, he takes his eyes off the road briefly which sets a chain of events that will haunt him, literally, for the rest of his life as he accidentally runs over Echo walking home.

In a panic, he picks her up and set her into the bed of his truck driving her back to the abandoned house. While the choice was made out of panic, it seems clear there is a history there, and that reaching out for authorities wouldn’t be an option for him. 

There are two journeys going on as The Deeper You Dig moves forward. The first is that of Kurt, who is struggling with the notion that he may have gotten away with it, but mentally he is unraveling. The body of Echo has been buried in a shallow grave. However, some strange occurrences begin around the home as he continues his renovation. His breakdown becomes staggeringly clear when the spirit of Echo manifests and begins to taunt Kurt. Each passing season increasing her level of emotional and fear inducing vengeance upon the man.

Meanwhile Ivy is on the look for her daughter, putting up flyers, and going door to door asking questions. As her emotions become more powerful so does her psychic ability slowly and with terrifying visions at times. She begins to hear her daughter’s voice calling out, but it isn’t until she confronts Kurt at his home that she suspects Echo’s disappearance is more sinister and a decision must be made that will affect her life and soul forever.

The Deeper You Dig is a slow burn, character study on loss and grief with an atmosphere that really sells the drama and suspense. The use of a location that was being demolished has not only metaphoric levels, but also gave the filmmakers the ability to get some unique camera angles to emphasize their storytelling. Using only natural light in the cinematography creates a realism, grittiness and shadow depth that adds additional layers to the visuals. Both John and Zelda shared DP credit on the film, clearly a true family affair. The score is incredibly effective at getting under your skin and was orchestrated by John using low hums and found object instruments. 

I can’t say for sure why The Deeper You Dig had such an impact on me. Perhaps it’s the true imaginative indie filmmaking or commitment to their craft in that DIY style. Regardless, it has stuck with me and continues to be one I revisit. The Adams filmmaking team has a new project, Hellbender, premiering at the 25^th Fantasia Festival. I’m purposely staying away from learning anything about it, and truly excited to see what this industrious, creative and talented team has in store next. 4/5

You can check out the trailer for The Deeper You Dig below and the film is now streaming on Shudder. Be sure to follow ScaryNerd for more of all things horror, sci-fi and more.

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