Writer/Director Stuart Ortiz has a new feature, Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire, that celebrated the World Premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX, this weekend. Although I knew going into the theater that this is not a factual documentary, the excellent story Ortiz has written will undoubtedly have you thinking this is the real work of a serial killer known as “Mr. Shiny,” who murdered people in San Bernardino County. This string of killings could also be called “the return” of the serial killer who had previously terrorized the communities twenty years earlier.
The detectives on the case, Joe Kirby (Peter Zizzo) and Lexi Taylor (Terri Apple), are also noted to be the authorities on the topic of Mr. Shiny. This serial killer commits crimes of a horrible nature. The film covers the story of a mother of a young child who had been active in her community and neighborhood, and then they disappear. The crime scene is shown in detail, and it is not an easy scene to watch. This film is an excellent eye-opener for seeing what more to anticipate from this filmmaker. This sequence is just the first of many chilling scenes.
The serial killer at first seems to be trying to keep his identity secret, but it doesn’t take long before he starts to leave handwritten letters and a symbol as his “signature” on the crime scene and the victims, penned in blood. He is creepy.
The lead detectives, Zizzo and Apple, perform well in portraying themselves as long-term and tenured detectives. This film appears to be an authentic documentary with all the talented cast and the excellent special makeup effects by Josh Russell. The performances also include Andy Lauer (Swim), Matthew Peschio (They’re Inside), Janna Cardia (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), LA Williams (Gone Girl), Tim Shelburne (Mind Over Murder), Christina Helena Bra and Thomas Wolfe Jr.
Some gruesome crime scenes left by the villain might churn some stomachs, so be prepared for this horror film not to shy away from making people squirm in their theater seats.
The film will have additional screenings during the festival on Thursday, September 26th, at 5:25 PM in two theaters.
Source: XYZ Films, Fantastic Fest