Fantastic Fest Review: Unraveling the Mystery of Dorothy Bell
The world of found footage horror and urban legends intersect in the chilling film “What Happened to Dorothy Bell?”. This low-budget horror flick takes viewers on a journey through the eerie urban legend of the Witch Librarian of the Edwards Public Library in Spellbound, Ill. The protagonist, Ozzie Gray, is not just an observer of this legend – she has a deep personal connection to it. As she delves into the mysteries surrounding her grandmother’s tragic fate, the film explores themes of familial trauma and supernatural horror.
The Sinister Tale of Dorothy Bell
“What Happened to Dorothy Bell?” introduces audiences to the haunting story of Dorothy, a grandmother who was rumored to have committed inexplicable crimes before her untimely death. Ozzie Gray, played by Asya Meadows, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her grandmother’s dark past. As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Dorothy’s story is not just a simple urban legend but a complex web of emotion and horror that threatens to consume Ozzie.
A Cinematic Style Like No Other
Director Danny Villanueva Jr. takes a unique approach to found footage horror in “What Happened to Dorothy Bell?”. Instead of relying on jump scares and frenetic camerawork, the film embraces a more subdued and atmospheric tone reminiscent of classics like “The Poughkeepsie Tapes”. This deliberate pacing allows for moments of introspection and character development, making the horror feel more personal and impactful.
The film’s setting in the Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library in Kenosha, Wisc., adds to the eerie atmosphere, with its marble walls providing a haunting backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Villanueva’s decision to focus on character study over traditional horror tropes pays off, as the audience is drawn into Ozzie’s emotional journey and the dark secrets that lie buried within her family’s history.
A Slow-Burn Descent into Darkness
As Ozzie grapples with her grandmother’s legacy and the supernatural forces at play, the film builds tension slowly, drawing viewers deeper into its macabre world. Meadows delivers a nuanced performance as Ozzie, capturing the character’s vulnerability and inner turmoil with haunting precision. The film’s minimal use of CGI and jump scares allows the psychological horror to take center stage, resulting in a truly unsettling viewing experience.
“What Happened to Dorothy Bell?” is a testament to the power of storytelling in horror cinema. By blending elements of found footage, urban legends, and character-driven drama, the film creates a unique and immersive narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. Villanueva’s debut feature is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, proving that sometimes the scariest stories are the ones that hit closest to home.
