Retro Horror Review: ‘We Are Still Here’ Small Town Secrets, a Mother’s Love and a Twist on the Haunted House Tale

Director Ted Geoghegen’s We Are Still Here first hit screens in 2015 at SXSW and is still able to induce plenty of chills. What makes American mythology and folklore resonate with people as much as it does? Tales of Indian Burial Grounds, hitchhiking ghosts and Bloody Mary have stuck with us since we were kids hearing stories on the playground or from older siblings.

There is one tale that can be found in every neighborhood or town across America, and that is the notion of the Haunted house. How many of you are picturing a house you would have to pass on your way to school, or a place you would visit and dare each other to go in? Co-Writer/Director Ted Geoghegen (Mohawk, Satanic Panic), inspired by European Horror and the film House by the Cemetery, wanted to continue that haunted house tradition with We Are Still Here. But with his own twist on the lore.

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Set in a snow blanketed, small New England town in 1979, we are introduced to Paul (Andrew Sensenig) and Anne Sacchetti (Barbara Crampton: Jakob’s Wife, Re-Animator). Grieving the recent loss of their son, they move into a new house for an attempt at a fresh start. There is sparse dialogue as the couple begin to settle into their new life, but the quietness is deafening as each is lost in their own reflections. Paul is trying to hold it together and stay positive for his wife, while Anne begins to feel the presence of her son as little signs begin to happen as she unpacks.

Pictures falling over, items going missing and a baseball rolls down some stairs (a clear homage to The Changeling). The static shots of the snow-covered house and property convey those iconic images of the Overlook hotel in the Shining, making this broken family feel very isolated. But they’re not alone.

A surprise visit from the Town Elder, Dave (Monte Markham), and his wife Cat, brings a history of the house. Built for the Dagmar family, the town’s mortician, it was discovered they were selling the bodies to universities and burying empty coffins. The town ran them out “on a rail”, or so we’re told, and their name was disgraced. They don’t stay long, but Paul is slipped a note as they leave that just reads “The house needs a family. GET OUT.”

The lore is established, but can we trust the source? Anne invites some old friends up for a visit. A couple of new age hippies Jacob (Larry Fessenden: Jakob’s Wife, The House of the Devil) and May (Lisa Marie: Mars Attacks), who bring some levity and humor into film. May can feel a dark presence in the house and claims “It’s Everywhere”. The odd couple aspect of the two pairs make for some memorable scenes. Its not until after a dinner in town that they really take notice that something isn’t right with the townsfolk, and this sleepy town might hold some dark secrets.

The slow burn pace of the first half of We Are Still Here is very intentional and effective. We really feel like we’re settling into the house along with Paul and Anne. We’re taking our time getting to know these two, mourn with them, hear the bumps and see the shadows out of the corner of our eyes too. We begin to know and care for this family so that when a literal gun shot is heard, acting like a starter’s pistol for the movie to begin its race to the Blood-soaked ending, we’re completely invested. 

The scares in We Are Still Here are quite effective and earned. Early on we get only fleeting glimpses of a presence in the home. Shadow figures that appear and disappear, reflections of something sinister off picture frames, objects moving on their own. Though not jump scares, they stay with you, and those of you who prefer their horror with blood and guts will not be disappointed either. A perfect blend of practical effects with CGI detail work give the violence a stylized appeal that feels right from the era portrayed. Once awoken, these spirits made of ash and fire are relentless and want their pound of flesh. 

I went into We Are Still Here completely blind the first time I watched it. I was so impressed with the story and the cast that it has been one I have championed ever since. This is a story about the grief in loss, the strength in a good marriage, a mother’s love and connection to her child and what happens when a small town hides a dark secret. It’s also a warning: Don’t buy a house with a Hell Mouth in the cellar, you might not like the guests it brings. 4/5

We Are Still Here is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi. Be sure to follow ScaryNerd for more of all things horror, sci-fi and more.

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