THE UNEARTHING is a low budget children's indie flick made in Minnesota. The first thing you notice about it is that it looks very professional for an independent film, with a good musical score for once and some professional, bright camera-work. The story follows a trio of kids as they attempt to solve a local mystery involving a ghostly woman, a journey which takes them to the library and record office. For the first half of this production, I was enjoying it. The story takes you back to an investigative childhood inspired by Enid Blyton, Nancy Drew books and the like, where kids were intrepid and outwitting adults. Sadly, things descend rapidly in the second half, becoming ambiguous and just plain weird, but it's still far from the worst film I've seen. The acting from the kids is better than expected too. Watch out for the funny goof in which the ginger kid falls when climbing the fence.
41 Reviews
Started Really Good...
candigarland28 January 2019
A girl moves to a new town. Strange mysterious girl forces a friendship between the two and a boy. They start investigating a town legend...then the story twists in uncohesively until the end. Once you find out this was a student film it makes a lot of sense. So much potential lost in the story when obviously they ran out of time and money.
If you can get past the mediocre acting and the weird story twist...and the really stupid cliffhanger ending. You will like it.
If you can get past the mediocre acting and the weird story twist...and the really stupid cliffhanger ending. You will like it.
A good try
CabbageCustard12 April 2021
I am not going to be too hard on this film, As I was watching it, I kept saying to myself that this must surely have been written, produced and directed by kids around the same age as the film's three protagonsits, A quick look at the FAQ section on IMDB confirmed that my impression was correct. With that in mind, I want to congratulate the filmmakers and encourage their future endeavours. This is a good early effort. Sure, the plot is a bit convoluted, the acting isn't universally great and there are some glaring continuity glitches, but it's better than anything I could have produced. Congratulations kids. Keep up the good work and I look forward to future output. To potential viewers I say, give this a watch and support the young filmmakers.
Waste of time for anyone!
weathergsr22 June 2020
I absolutely can't believe the dozens of 9/10 and 10/10 reviews of this horribly put together movie.
It's poorly written with amateur actors who show no emotion. The director also contributed to this hopeless muddle by allowing the continuity to be jumbled, ignoring the fact that characters right at the end of the movie start talking about things that have never been introduced before.
The main female character is heartless and the ending doesn't make any sense.
Near the end, the main character asks, "But what does it all mean?" The answer she's given is, "That's for you to decide." Well, I guess that's for EVERYONE to decide, because how this frustrating mess ever got made into a movie is a puzzle no one will be able to figure out!
It's poorly written with amateur actors who show no emotion. The director also contributed to this hopeless muddle by allowing the continuity to be jumbled, ignoring the fact that characters right at the end of the movie start talking about things that have never been introduced before.
The main female character is heartless and the ending doesn't make any sense.
Near the end, the main character asks, "But what does it all mean?" The answer she's given is, "That's for you to decide." Well, I guess that's for EVERYONE to decide, because how this frustrating mess ever got made into a movie is a puzzle no one will be able to figure out!
Where's the rest of the movie?
KawaiiKiwi26 January 2021
At 54 minutes running time, I'm not sure if this is a movie or a pilot episode for an abandoned series. The ''movie'' ends in the middle of a sentence, with absolutely no ending, straight to the credits. The story is about a teen who moves into a new house for the summer, where she meets two other kids in a rather unconventional way. One morning she wakes up and some girl is standing in her bedroom. Strangely, she never bothers to ask who let her inside her house, and why she is there. They decide to go for a hike in the backyard forest and meet a guy hiding in the trees. Never bothers to ask where he's hiding in her yard either. The way the trio meets is so unnatural and weird that I just couldn't take it seriously. Especially since the actors are not particularly good and the lines are delivered in a way that I can't see any kids being able to relate to them.
Then they decide to visit a historical house in the village (as if kids really do that) and become obsessed with it for no reason and end up spending the following days researching the house's history at the library (again, as if kids really do that). The movie's driving plot is so hard to believe that it's difficult to put up with the rest. Then the rest of the story has to do with a ghost and the kids investigating and trying to free it. It's like a really long episode of Goosebumps, but with a terrible script, awful special effects, and nothing interesting. There is however one scene that gave me the creeps and I was surprised that it was in the movie as it was genuinely creepy and didn't fit the rest of the movie's colorful fantasy tone.
Other that that it's definitely not scary in any way and is actually a super colorful movie with vibrant visuals and some nice shots. However at times I felt like they added way too much saturation and as a result some outside scenes had a fake CGI look that looked really weird. Overall, this could be okay for kids if only it had an ending, but it doesn't, and I don't see a sequel anywhere, so it's just like an intro to a series that doesn't exist. I can't see the point of wasting time on this, unless they can release the rest of the story (which most likely will never happen since the kid actors are too old now).
Then they decide to visit a historical house in the village (as if kids really do that) and become obsessed with it for no reason and end up spending the following days researching the house's history at the library (again, as if kids really do that). The movie's driving plot is so hard to believe that it's difficult to put up with the rest. Then the rest of the story has to do with a ghost and the kids investigating and trying to free it. It's like a really long episode of Goosebumps, but with a terrible script, awful special effects, and nothing interesting. There is however one scene that gave me the creeps and I was surprised that it was in the movie as it was genuinely creepy and didn't fit the rest of the movie's colorful fantasy tone.
Other that that it's definitely not scary in any way and is actually a super colorful movie with vibrant visuals and some nice shots. However at times I felt like they added way too much saturation and as a result some outside scenes had a fake CGI look that looked really weird. Overall, this could be okay for kids if only it had an ending, but it doesn't, and I don't see a sequel anywhere, so it's just like an intro to a series that doesn't exist. I can't see the point of wasting time on this, unless they can release the rest of the story (which most likely will never happen since the kid actors are too old now).
Enjoyable film, nice production all around.
nmarnson12 January 2016
This was an enjoyable film to watch.
In it, you will follow the journey of three teenagers, as they go into new situations. As the plot unfolds, they learn more about themselves, their strengths, their fears, and the struggle to overcome them. It's very relatable to teenagers out there, teaching on topics such as making new friends in a strange place, dealing with a tough family situation, and depression.
The biggest thing I took from this film is: Freidnship! And the power it has to mend broken souls.
Tristan made good use of the small budget, with good special effects in certain situations, good video quality, and a nice number of people in the cast.
In it, you will follow the journey of three teenagers, as they go into new situations. As the plot unfolds, they learn more about themselves, their strengths, their fears, and the struggle to overcome them. It's very relatable to teenagers out there, teaching on topics such as making new friends in a strange place, dealing with a tough family situation, and depression.
The biggest thing I took from this film is: Freidnship! And the power it has to mend broken souls.
Tristan made good use of the small budget, with good special effects in certain situations, good video quality, and a nice number of people in the cast.
Ridiculous movie.
rhuemmer8019 July 2020
I loved it!
craigahrens23 April 2020
This is just a flat out fun film! I love indie films! However, often times you don't know what exactly you're getting yourself into. But for me, this was not one of those occasions. I don't want to be considered a spoiler, so I don't want to say to much about the story... other than it was just delightful. Bravo, well done! I thought the director did a super good job in telling the story and keeping the pace of the film moving along. I did not find myself drifting off or getting board. So for me, this is a solid thumbs up!!
A Coming of Age Tale Worth Checking Out
nicolekorbisch8 January 2016
More of a mystery intrigue film than a horror flick, "The Unearthing" was well done for a low budget film. Though it had a moment or two that felt slow, the overall flow and storytelling was well-captured. The score was terrific and the young actors show a lot of promise. It's simple, cleanly shot, and has good direction. I particularly enjoyed the interest invested in local history.
Tristan James Jensen shows an eye for filming that isn't often seen at his age. I look forward to seeing more from him in the future.
Great coming of age flick that I would recommend especially for younger viewers.
Tristan James Jensen shows an eye for filming that isn't often seen at his age. I look forward to seeing more from him in the future.
Great coming of age flick that I would recommend especially for younger viewers.
A good watch
Goingpro1223 April 2020
Engaging film for the youth market
jane-57828 April 2020
Bad movie
rooney-sama18 July 2020
Filming and story was strange
farukpatel24 January 2021
It Just Ends???
icocleric18 January 2024
I really didn't like it, and supernatural horror is my favourite, because I often love the story behind it. Even if aimed at a younger audience.
The music breaks any and all suspense, because it is this light cheery music, that gets in the way. Despite the short run time, we have a really long library montage, that could have been much shorter. Then the film ends abruptly. Not really explaining anything, which was really disappointing when you're here for the mystery.
The female lead is incredibly unlikeable and mean. Which makes it harder to get into the film.
The quality of the filming sound and lighting look good though.
The music breaks any and all suspense, because it is this light cheery music, that gets in the way. Despite the short run time, we have a really long library montage, that could have been much shorter. Then the film ends abruptly. Not really explaining anything, which was really disappointing when you're here for the mystery.
The female lead is incredibly unlikeable and mean. Which makes it harder to get into the film.
The quality of the filming sound and lighting look good though.
A fun family film
rafika27 July 2020
OK. This is a good movie on the path to being great. The cinematography was superb. I really loved the setting and felt the characters made the most of it by taking us to various locations to tell their story. The costuming was realistic and the plot was understandable. Unfortunately, the pacing made the viewer uncomfortable. There was silence when words would have been best, there was running for no apparent reason, there were lots of eye-rolling moments that left the audience wondering, "what is the problem, here?" The good thing about the characters is that they were likeable, relatable people, who made you want to know more about what was going on in their heads and in their lives. Parker's story was highly believable, but I began to wonder if he and Charlotte were in the protagonist's imagination. Anyway, I thought it was fun to watch and a splendid use of the beautiful scenery.
A summer adventure through the eyes of a child
jimlewisjr23 April 2020
This is almost a kids movie, but there is something more to this story. The mostly child cast turns in some great performances in this well shot movie. The locations shine and are authentic and the theme music throughout the picture is exceptional. It is said that "Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is the purest joy that anyone can experience." This movie proves that to be true.
A Dynamite and Mysterious Gem
joelthing16 April 2015
You don't find many independent films this tightly shot and written. And culling together a group of young actors and filming them in your hometown on a low budget, it's masterful. This film has professionalism in its framing, editing, storyline and even the acting. The film shows a student of the medium who is not afraid of telling a story simply and correctly. You don't need a lot of flashy camera moves or special effects. You just need a great script and a wonderful eye behind the camera. If you get an opportunity to stream this, or even purchase it from somewhere, do so. You won't be disappointed. I would watch the career of this director/writer very closely!
Excellent enjoyable movie
amerfilms-670-37708923 April 2020
Intriguing and Daring
richardblake31422 April 2020
Writng, directing, and producing a film is one of the most difficult task any one to take on or hope to accomplish. Kudos to the director for going for it with every resource he had at his disposal. This film starts out seemingly cookie cutter normal, but then dips and dives into many different underlying currents between the three main characters. It's enough to keep you engaged to the end.
Fun coming of age story
lbruhnca7 May 2020
I especially love films where the characters discover things about themselves along the journey. This teenage-centric film is a fun journey for all ages to get lost in as it hits upon some key elements that are relatable to all - friendships, family, tough situations, and overcoming challenges.
Engaging YA Storytelling
JGReviews22 April 2020
The Unearthing reminds me of many of the great young adult movies that I grew up with. It seemed like there were so many of those films in the 80s and it just doesn't seem like these kinds of films are made as much anymore, which is unfortunate but it made for a pleasant surprise when I came across The Unearthing. The story follows a girl who moves with her father to Minnesota where she meets and bonds with two other kids there. They work together to try to help a ghost get closure, wonderfully blending genres and blurring the line between fantasy and reality. The film has its limitations -- though what independent film doesn't -- but I found this to be very engaging storytelling and I definitely enjoyed The Unearthing. I'd recommend the film to anyone.
Amazing talented teens!!!
halllori-447423 March 2020
This is an awesome movie. The Director and actors were all teenagers. They were sincere in their parts and left us with questions that we can only speculate as to what the answers are and that in itself is amazing because the answers are for us to decide and what we lean toward tells a lot about us individually. I totally enjoyed watching it!!! Great job guys!!! My hats off to you all!!!! I recommend this movie for everyone over the age of 14. A good movie for parents to watch with their teens and have a lite hearted discussion about. Parents, you will probably learn something as well as your teens.
A fun adventure for the whole family!
noorfay9124 April 2020
This coming of age story evokes the magical books I used to read as a child, or the older Disney Channel adventure films. The characters were well developed and the score and cinematography were well used as world building tools.
Indie Fun
kbryant141422 April 2020
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