The Void (2016 film)

The Void (2016 film)

The Void (2016 film) is a Canadian supernatural horror film directed by Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie. The film stars Aaron Poole, Kenneth Welsh, Daniel Fathers, Kathleen Munroe, and Ellen Wong. It premiered at the Fantastic Fest in September 2016 and was later released in theaters and on Video on Demand in April 2017. The Void is known for its practical effects, Lovecraftian horror elements, and its homage to 1980s horror films.

Plot

The story follows Sheriff Deputy Daniel Carter (Aaron Poole), who finds a blood-soaked man limping down a deserted road and rushes him to a local hospital with a barebones, night shift staff. As they begin to treat the stranger, bizarre and violent events take place in the hospital. The hospital is soon surrounded by hooded figures, and the staff and patients inside begin to transform into monstrous creatures. Carter leads the survivors on a hellish journey into the depths of the hospital, which seems to be a gateway to monstrous evils.

Production

The Void was a passion project for directors Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie, both of whom have backgrounds in special effects and makeup. The film was heavily influenced by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, as well as horror films from the 1980s, particularly those that emphasized practical effects over CGI. The directors launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to finance the film's elaborate creature effects, raising over $80,000 CAD.

Reception

Upon its release, The Void received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised the film for its atmosphere, practical effects, and homage to classic horror, while criticism was directed at its script and some performances. The film has since garnered a cult following, particularly among fans of Lovecraftian horror and practical effects.

Themes and Influences

The Void explores themes of isolation, madness, and cosmic horror, hallmarks of Lovecraftian horror. The film's setting in a nearly abandoned hospital, combined with the encroaching, otherworldly threat, amplifies these themes. The directors' admiration for 1980s horror films is evident in The Void's practical effects, which recall the work of directors like John Carpenter and films such as The Thing (1982).

See Also

• H.P. Lovecraft
• Lovecraftian horror
• Practical effects
• 1980s in film