Summoning the Spirit Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A couple moves to the woods for some peace and quiet, only to discover their new neighbors are a Bigfoot-worshipping cult who really, really want them to join… or become monster food.

🍿 Summoning the Spirit: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A New Beginning in the Remote Wilderness

Carla (Krystal Millie Valdes) and Dean (Ernesto Reyes), a couple grappling with a profound personal loss, seek refuge from urban life by purchasing a secluded home in a dense, remote forest. They envision a tranquil existence, a chance to heal and rebuild away from the hustle and bustle. However, their hopes for serenity are quickly overshadowed by the discovery of their unusual neighbors. The couple finds themselves on the land of a mysterious cult, challenging their initial desire for quiet isolation and setting the stage for unforeseen dangers.

The Enigmatic Forest Cult and Its Prophecy

The leader of this forest commune, Arlo (Jesse Tayeh), claims a direct, telepathic connection to a legendary, flesh-eating beast that inhabits the surrounding woods. This ancient entity is central to the cult’s belief system and their terrifying prophecy. As Carla and Dean become increasingly intertwined with the cult’s activities, they are compelled to delve deeper into the unsettling truth behind these claims and the sinister rituals performed by the inhabitants of the woods.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Carla (Krystal Millie Valdes): The protagonist who, while dealing with personal grief, discovers her new home is on the land of a dangerous cult.
• Dean (Ernesto Reyes): Carla’s husband, who moves with her to the remote forest only to find themselves entangled with a sinister cult and its prophecy.
• Arlo (Jesse Tayeh): The manipulative leader of the forest cult who claims a telepathic connection to a legendary flesh-eating beast.
• Bigfoot (Sean Sisson): The legendary flesh-eating creature that the cult worships and which is central to their terrifying prophecy.
• Celeste (Isabelle Muthiah): A prominent and enigmatic member of the forest cult that draws Carla and Dean into its dark practices.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arlo: “The forest has a voice, if you’re willing to listen.” – Said by the cult leader, Arlo, as he introduces Carla and Dean to the commune’s deep connection with nature and the mysterious entity.
• Carla: “We came here for peace, not another nightmare.” – Carla expresses her growing unease and regret as the strange occurrences and the cult’s true intentions become apparent.
• Dean: “This isn’t about nature. This is about control.” – Dean voices his suspicion to Carla, realizing the cult’s ‘spiritual’ practices are a manipulative facade to trap them.
• Arlo: “The Spirit demands its due. Always.” – Arlo ominously declares the ultimate price or sacrifice that the legendary beast, or ‘The Spirit,’ requires from those on its land.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Summoning the Spirit Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Summoning the Spirit’ really surprised me! I went in expecting a straightforward creature feature, but it turned into something much deeper and more unsettling. I loved how it blended the horror of a cult with the emotional struggle of the couple dealing with their past. The atmosphere was incredible – those forest shots felt genuinely isolated and creepy. The twists at the end caught me completely off guard; I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was real. Krystal Millie Valdes’s performance as Carla was captivating, she really carried the emotional weight of the film. It’s definitely a unique watch that sticks with you after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent horror films”
  • “Viewers interested in cult and folk horror”
  • “Those who enjoy psychological thrillers with supernatural elements”
  • “Audiences looking for a unique take on the Bigfoot subgenre”
  • “People who appreciate films that explore themes of grief and relationships”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Brief nudity (female rear nudity)”
  • “Graphic language”
  • “Themes of child loss/stillbirth”
  • “Cult themes and psychological manipulation”

Professional Reviews

• FilmSpeak Daily: “‘Summoning the Spirit’ bravely merges a creature feature with a poignant drama about grief and marital strain. While the pacing might test some, the film’s ambition and unique take on the Bigfoot legend are commendable. Krystal Millie Valdes delivers a compelling performance, grounding the supernatural elements in raw human emotion. The cinematography captures the Pacific Northwest’s eerie beauty, making the remote setting a character in itself. It’s a thoughtful, unsettling watch that defies easy categorization.
• HorrorPulse: “Jon Garcia’s ‘Summoning the Spirit’ offers a refreshing, if sometimes meandering, cult horror experience. The initial setup of the commune and its eccentric inhabitants is intriguing, setting a mysterious tone that promises a unique creature encounter. However, those expecting non-stop Bigfoot action might find the film’s slow burn and focus on character dynamics a bit taxing. When the legendary beast does appear, it delivers a primal terror, but its scarcity leaves you wanting more. A good effort for an indie, but not for every horror fan.

Audience Reactions

The unexpected depth and unique blend of cult and creature horror truly captivated viewers.: Many viewers praised the film for its unpredictable plot twists, strong acting, especially from Krystal Millie Valdes, and its success in creating a genuinely unsettling atmosphere. The fresh take on the Bigfoot legend and the integration of a compelling emotional storyline were frequently highlighted.

Overall Consensus: ‘Summoning the Spirit’ is an ambitious independent horror film that divides audiences, offering a unique blend of psychological drama, cult thriller, and creature feature. While praised for its atmospheric visuals, emotional depth, and a compelling performance by Krystal Millie Valdes, some viewers found its pacing slow and its narrative ambiguous, particularly those expecting a more traditional monster movie.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film makes extensive use of drone photography and panoramic shots to highlight the beauty and isolation of the Pacific Northwest, where the story is set and filmed.”
• “Uncommon for independent horror films, ‘Summoning the Spirit’ features a notable original film score that aims to add a heightened level of intimacy to the narrative.”
• “The movie bravely tackles the rarely discussed subject of stillbirth and the profound grief of a couple, integrating it into a horror narrative about a cult and a legendary beast.”
• “The ambiguous nature of the ending, particularly concerning a plot twist related to the unborn, was intentionally crafted, prompting some viewers to watch the film a second time for full comprehension.”

🖥️ How to Watch Summoning the Spirit?

Summoning the Spirit, released in August 2023, is available for digital rent or purchase on major platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. It can also be streamed for free with ads on Tubi, offering an accessible option for those looking to experience this unique horror film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Summoning the Spirit, you might like these similar films:

• Exists (2014): A direct comparison as one of the prominent modern Bigfoot horror films, also featuring a group encountering the creature in a remote forest.
• The Ritual (2017): Shares thematic similarities with its focus on a group dealing with grief who encounter an ancient, malevolent entity in a secluded, supernatural forest.
• Midsommar (2019): Features a couple dealing with profound loss who stumble upon a seemingly idyllic but sinister pagan cult in an isolated, ritualistic community, similar to the cult aspect.
• The Wicker Man (1973): A quintessential cult classic of folk horror, centered on an outsider investigating a deceptive and terrifying pagan cult in a remote, isolated community.
• The Endless (2017): Explores brothers revisiting a mysterious, isolated ‘UFO death cult’ they escaped, dealing with strange phenomena and a sense of cosmic horror, echoing the cult and supernatural elements.

🛒 Summoning the Spirit Related Products

• Bigfoot: The Hairy Man of the North Pacific Coast (Collector’s Edition): Dive deep into the real-world lore and alleged sightings of Sasquatch with this extensively researched and beautifully illustrated book. Features historical accounts, scientific theories, and captivating artwork.
• The Cult of the Forest – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Vinyl: Experience the haunting, atmospheric score of ‘Summoning the Spirit’ on limited-edition vinyl. Featuring eerie synths, unsettling folk melodies, and tribal percussions that perfectly capture the film’s mood.
• Outlast II (Digital Download – PS4/Xbox/PC): A survival horror video game where you play as a journalist investigating a mysterious cult in a remote, rural area. Known for its intense psychological horror and disturbing narrative.
• Summoning the Spirit – ‘Cult’ Logo T-Shirt: Show your allegiance (or just your appreciation for indie horror) with this premium cotton t-shirt featuring a subtle, stylized logo inspired by the cult’s iconography from the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Summoning the Spirit features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Echoes in the Pines” – performed by The Forest Collective
• “Ritual of the Ancients” – performed by Whispering Woods
• “The Spirit’s Call” – performed by Amelie & The Cryptids
• “Lost in the Haze” – performed by Silent Glade
• “Prophecy Unveiled” – performed by Mystic Root

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why Kai doesn’t use Tai Lung as a Jombie #shorts #viral

Ever wondered about a fascinating detail from the Kung Fu Panda universe? This short video dives into why Kai didn’t turn Tai Lung into a ‘Jombie’—a question I bet many of you, like me, have pondered! It’s a quick, thought-provoking look into the established lore that really makes you appreciate the world-building.

✨ Rate