A love letter to the horror genre
Horror anthologies are everywhere in 2020. Shudder has its own share, as do Hulu, Netflix and other streaming services. With The Mortuary Collection, Shudder releases a fresh take on a crowded market. Fortunately, writer/director Ryan Spindell has some great stories, and a magical cast led by Clancy Brown and Caitlin Custer.
Throughout the course of the movie, Montgomery Dark, the funeral home director played by Brown, tells several stories to Sam (Custer.) There are four stories in all, ranging from a simple lesson in keeping out of other people’s business, to more complex issues like upholding marriage vows. The stories are connected by Sam and Montgomery touring the funeral home.
Spindell’s writing is excellent and consistent. His love of horror is evident. This is, after all the director of The Babysitter Murders and We Come in Pieces. He has plenty to work with in this project as the cast is super talented. Poor Jacob Elordi (The Kissing Booth) goes through hell in his story, though it is completely justified given his character. Christine Kilmer (Shameless) is amazing in a story she plays solo. Ema Horvath (What Lies Below) is the perfect parasite.
The Mondo Boys soundtrack provides a pulp flavor to the movie. The special effects work, led by Simon White, is visually delightful. It supports the supernatural elements of the stories without ever pulling the viewer out of it. Spindell brilliantly mixes in some amazing stuntwork when it’s least expected, adding another layer to Custer’s absolute brilliance.
The Mortuary Collection is a great mix of storytelling, visuals, acting and sound. It’s a love letter to horror as a genre. It hits everything from Lovecraft to serial killers with a huge twist ending. Definitely worth the time if you don’t mind a little violence and gore.