From laughter to chills: Joe Lo Truglio’s Outpost breaks new ground
By Deepak Kumar
Joe Lo Truglio, known for his funny roles in shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, surprises us with his first attempt at directing in the psychological horror movie, Outpost. Lo Truglio demonstrates his skill in creating tension and playing with our minds, delivering an impressive independent horror experience.
Although it doesn’t quite reach the level of Jordan Peele’s Get Out, the film still leaves a strong impression and leaves us eager to see more from this versatile comedian-turned-director.
Exploring Psychological Trauma
Outpost follows Kate (Beth Dover), a woman who seeks refuge from an abusive relationship. With the help of her best friend, Nicki (Ta’Rea Campbell), Kate finds solace in a remote fire lookout in the mountains of Northern Idaho.
However, as Kate confronts her past, her trauma begins to haunt her, blurring the line between what is real and what is in her fractured mind.
A Comedian’s Talent for Horror
Joe Lo Truglio’s background in comedy translates well to the horror genre as he skillfully builds suspense and anxiety throughout Outpost.
By focusing on the psychological aftermath of abuse, the film explores the intricate effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on its victims.
Lo Truglio proves his directing prowess in horror, creating moments of heightened tension and delivering visually impactful and unsettling scenes.
An Engaging Cast
Beth Dover, known for her comedic roles, delivers a captivating performance as Kate. She portrays a character who is both resilient and deeply wounded, gradually descending into madness.
Supported by a talented ensemble cast including Ato Essandoh, Dylan Baker and Dallas Roberts, Outpost showcases the actors’ dedication to their roles, resulting in powerful and impactful performances.
Exploring Reality and Hallucinations
Outpost effectively immerses the audience in Kate’s perspective by using hallucinations and visions to blur the line between what is real and what is imagined.
This technique heightens tension and keeps viewers engaged, empathizing with Kate’s struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality. The film’s hallucinatory sequences are eerie and spine-chilling, adding to the overall sense of unease.
Outpost showcases Joe Lo Truglio’s talent as a director, successfully blending psychological horror with themes of trauma and abuse. While the film may have some slower moments, it captivates with its strong storytelling, effective visuals and powerful performances.
As a debut effort, Outpost establishes Lo Truglio as a promising filmmaker in the horror genre, leaving audiences excited for his future projects. Fans of psychological horror will be engrossed in this unsettling and thought-provoking film.
Outpost: Worth watching, or not?
While Outpost builds its story gradually, focusing on the deterioration of Kate’s sanity, the third act introduces a sudden shift in pace.
The movie becomes more intense and violent, which may be initially surprising. However, as chaos unfolds, viewers are encouraged to embrace the excitement and enjoy the thrilling ride.