Honeydew Movie Review

If you’re a big fan of folk horror, then Devereux Milburn’s feature debut Honeydew just might appeal to you. It’s got the heavy atmosphere of The Witch, disturbing rural characters that might remind you of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and plenty of grotesque details to tempt gore lovers. It stars Sawyer Spielberg (yes, as in the son of Steven), Malin Barr, Barbara Kingsley, and Stephen D’Ambrose, among others. Milburn also co-wrote the film alongside talented cinematographer-producer Dan Kennedy.

Honeydew is the story of actor Sam (Spielberg) and botanist Rylie (Barr). They’re researching a fungal infection called sordico that originates from tainted wheat for Rylie’s Ph.D. After becoming lost and stranded in the countryside of rural New England when their car battery dies, the couple seeks shelter for the night at a strange but inviting nearby farmhouse.

The farmhouse turns out to be the home of the elderly, eccentric Karen (Kingsley) and her son Gunni (Jamie Bradley). Gunni seems especially strange, as he’s semi-catatonic, mute, and partially covered in bandages. According to Karen, he is the way he is because he was kicked in the head by a bull. Karen herself appears to be more than hospitable, though, as she offers to call someone to fix the couple’s car, as well as feeds them a strange but delicious meal.

However, there’s something off about the house and the unusual people who live there. As the evening wears on, growing stranger with every passing minute, Sam and Rylie’s eerie feeling turns out to be right on target. What’s going on here, what (if anything) does it have to do with sordico, what’s the deal with Gunni, and will Sam or Rylie make it home safely to tell the tale?

If there’s one thing about Honeydew that really sets this film apart, it’s the atmosphere. It’s intriguing, chilling, and deliciously mysterious, set off to perfection by Milburn’s stellar visuals. Right from the beginning, the film is a mystery that gets the audience asking a series of questions right away. Some of the elements don’t appear to fit right away, but this doesn’t make them any less enjoyable, especially as the connection between them becomes more apparent over the course of the film.

This film also has a fascinating score that adds even more to the eerie tone of Honeydew’s story. It’s the type of thing you really need to hear for yourself to understand fully, but suffice it to say that it makes equally great use of instruments and unique sound effects to create something exceptional. In fact, the visuals and the score tell a compelling enough story all on their own – so effective, you almost don’t need the dialogue to feel like you’re melting into the scene in front of you.

Of course, this isn’t to say that the performances have nothing to do with the general atmosphere of this film. Barbara Kingsley turns in a standout performance that will send shivers down your spine while channeling shades of the mysterious witch from Hansel and Gretel. Her facial expressions, in particular, are something else, and they’re sure to leave you thinking about Karen long after the credits roll. Spielberg and Barr also shine in their roles, bringing an energy to the film that is the perfect foil to Kingsley’s creepiness.

All in all, Honeydew is a genuinely intriguing film and a substantial first effort on Milburn’s part. It makes you excited to see what he does next. It seamlessly blends striking visuals, chilling themes, a heavy atmosphere, and just a touch of social commentary into one chilling story that’s well worth your time.

Style: Psychological, Survival, Slow Burn, New Release