Solstice: A Movie Review

Solstice is a 2008 movie starring Elisabeth Harnois and Shawn Ashmore. Elisebth Harnois plays Megan, a high school senior who is troubled by the suicide of her twin sister Sofie six months before. The movie is a great drama with a touch of supernatural thriller. I was very impressed with this direct to video Blockbuster exclusive and have added it to my list of favorites.

The movie begins with Megan's high school friends taking her on a relaxing weekend at her parent's summer house on a lake in Louisiana. Megan begins to experience supernatural disturbances which she thinks is from her sister. Of course Megan's friends think she is just emotional from the death of her sister but Megan is determined to find out what her deceased sister is trying to tell her. The plot is very interesting but a little too reminiscent of What Lies Beneath.

The movie plot keeps a nice steady pace. The reason for Sofie's suicide is not revealed until the very end. The movie has continuous flashbacks of Sofie's last day, giving the viewers enough information without ruining the suspense. I am very good at predicting where a story is going in the first five minutes but I never figured out the twist on this one. I was very impressed with the way the twist played out at the end.

The movie does have some predictable moments. Megan hooks up with her dead sister's boyfriend. Of course there is a local hunk who is interested in Megan who happens to know how to communicate with the dead during summer solstice. And let's not forget the creepy old guy who everyone thinks is an ax-murder.

Solstice does have several creepy moments but nothing scary. The movie is more drama then horror. The cast works well together and the camera work is excellent. Overall, the movie is great and I am surprised by its direct to video status. I think it could have done great at the theater, much better then that dreadful I Know Who Killed Me. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.