Is the “Lost Boy” a Tatterdemalion?

Breaking Glass Pictures once again kindly gave me the opportunity to screen one of their films, this time Lost Child (a.k.a. Tatterdemalion.) It will hit select theaters on September 14, 2018, and it will be available on VOD/DVD on September 18, 2018.

Synopsis

Lost Child follows an army veteran, Fern, who returns home in order to look for her brother, only to discover an abandoned boy lurking in the woods behind her childhood home. After taking in the boy, she searches for clues to his identity, and discovers the local folklore about a malevolent, life-draining spirit that comes in the form of a child; the Tatterdemalion.

Hauntingly Beautiful

Even though there are supernatural references throughout the movie, this isn’t your typical scary movie. Though it is extremely haunting.

In fact, it doesn’t even describe itself as a horror movie. It categorizes itself as a mystery thriller, which is a better fit.

I don’t want to say much more than the synopsis for fear of giving the movie away. Spoilers really would spoil the overall enjoyment. However, I will say this: it tickles the spooky senses.

It’s set in the Ozarks, using the land’s mysteries and superstitions to set the perfect atmosphere.

The boy, Cecil, that Fern takes in, believes in the old tales. He believes monsters lurk in the woods and that a thing called a “Howler” will come take him away.

Others believe Cecil is a demon to be feared. A Tatterdemalion that takes the form of a boy and feeds off the energy of the living to stay perpetually young.

That’s the mystery. When Fern falls ill, is it because Cecil is a demon stealing her life force? Or is he just a little boy alone in the woods?

Slow Tension

What’s refreshing about this movie, and what makes it so enjoyable, is it’s pace and tension. This isn’t a fast-paced, edge of your seat movie by any means.

New elements are gradually sifted into the story line before it’s placed in the oven to cook until the end.

It’s a tad slow in some places –or slower, I should say. But that doesn’t hurt it. My interest never wavered. I was too busy savoring all of the nuances.

Because Lost Child is loaded with layers of intricacies. From the atmosphere to the symbolism. It all worked together to leave this viewer questioning, “What in the world is going on? Is the boy really a demon? How are they going to end this?”

That created the tension, which mounted and mounted through the subtle storytelling until all was revealed in the end.

Beyond the Story

Lost Child was directed by Ramaa Mosley, who, I have to say, is a director to watch if this film is any indication.

Tim Macy is both the writer and a producer. He, too, is someone people should stand up and take notice of after watching this film.

Also, I have to give mad props to the Director of Photography, Darin Moran. Beautifully shot film!

Then there’s the cast. Wow.

All of them did their jobs well, and some may even look familiar to you, but here’s whose performances stood out to me most:

• Leven Rambin (The Hunger Games, The Path, and True Detective) as “Fern.” She’s that rare breed of female character that’s tough yet still vulnerable. Leven walked that line like a pro. #NailedIt
• Toni Chritton Johsnon as “Florine.” She didn’t have a huge part, but she, too, nailed her sassy, solid, salt-of-the-earth native character and was just totally likeable.
• Landon Edwards as “Cecil.” Holy cow this kid could be the reincarnation of River Phoenix. Not so much for his looks, but for his acting chops. I’m hard-pressed to think of another child actor since River Phoenix with this kind of depth and emotion. He really could’ve been that lost boy for all I was concerned. Not an actor. The actual thing! He moved me most of all.
• Kip Duane Collins as “Fig.” Speaking of actual things, I learned from the press packet that Lost Boy was filmed in West Plains, Missouri, deep in the heart of the Ozarks. Filmmakers used locals who had never acted before. Kip was one of them. Are you kidding me? This guy was just someone they found? He was superb! They’re not kidding that he’s a natural.

Rating

It’s no wonder this indie movie has won some awards (Best Narrative Feature – Kansas City Film Festival, and Best Actress – Taormina Film Festival). It’s a winner.

This was an easy five out of five skulls from Skellie and me.

Theatrical Release of Lost Child 

These are the cities and theaters where you can watch Lost Child on September 14:

• New York – Cinema Village
• Los Angeles – Laemmle Monica
• Missouri – Glass Sword