‘BAAL’ (Beyond Fest 2024) Nonlinear familial horror show.

Beyond_Fest_2024_1920x1080-H-202BAAL

WORLD PREMIERE / RELEASED IN: 2024 / 97 MINUTES / DIRECTED BY: JOSEPH SIMS-DENNETT

BAAL - Grace 8Joseph Sims-Dennett brings BAAL to Beyond Fest 2024. Upon hearing the news of her father’s death, Grace finds her estranged brother missing from their hometown. Following a strange lead and ignoring the ominous warnings from her remaining family members, she takes a journey into the wilderness, only to be tested mentally, physically, and spiritually in the worst ways possible. 

Nonlinear storytelling keeps you in a dizzying state. Characters know more than they reveal, which ultimately becomes frustrating. BAAL is a story of haunting extremes and estrangement. Sims-Dennett slowly reveals a shocking familial wound that, considering its heaviness, should have been a larger part of the narratives. The script predominantly features Meg Clarke as Grace. She has the difficult task of guiding us through mystery-laden chaos. Clarke is undeniably captivating despite the storytelling style. 

BAAL - Mask 3BAAL explores the devastating effects of unresolved trauma and guilt. As the film ended, I found myself scratching and shaking my head. Even after the final scene, I am unsure what was real and what wasn’t. I have so many questions. Sims-Dennett combines multiple tropes but never quite makes a cohesive product.


CAST: Meg Clarke, Leighton Cardno, Gautier Pavlovic-Hobba, Tony Hughes, Diane Smith

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