New Movies: The Shade (2023) by Tyler Chipman: A Haunting Descent into Family Trauma and Inherited Darkness

Core Summary

The Shade (2023) is a psychological horror-drama film directed by Tyler Chipman, marking his feature directorial debut. The film follows twenty-year-old Ryan, who is grappling with profound grief and anxiety after his father's death. As he struggles to keep his fractured family together, an "unspeakable darkness" begins to plague his older brother, Jason, who returns home in a deeply disturbed mental state. Ryan soon starts to see a grotesque figure, "The Shade," lurking in the shadows—a chilling manifestation of the inherited mental illness that runs in their family. The film is an atmospheric slow-burn, exploring themes of grief, intergenerational trauma, mental illness, and the fight to break destructive cycles, offering a unique blend of drama and psychological horror.

Short Summary

Tyler Chipman's The Shade (2023) is a psychological horror-drama about grieving twenty-year-old Ryan, whose family is plagued by an inherited darkness after his father's death. As his older brother Jason succumbs to a mysterious mental illness, Ryan begins seeing a grotesque figure, "The Shade," a terrifying manifestation of their family's unseen torment,

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17059618/

Link Review: https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/513647/the-shade-review-slow-burn-horror-that-burns-far-too-slowly/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-shade (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-shade (Canada)

Detailed Summary

The Shade (2023) is a psychological horror-drama film that serves as the feature directorial debut for Tyler Chipman, who also co-wrote the screenplay with David Purdy. The film is an expansion of Chipman's own 2020 short film of the same name.

• Initial Release and Recognition: The film premiered at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in 2023, where it won the 2nd place Audience Award, and also secured the Jury Award for Best Feature Film at the Snowdance Independent Film Festival. It had a limited theatrical release in the US on September 20, 2024, followed by a VOD release on November 22, 2024.

• Plot Foundation: The narrative begins after the traumatic loss of the family patriarch to suicide, leaving twenty-year-old Ryan (played by Chris Galust) struggling with debilitating anxiety and the immense pressure of holding his fractured family together.

• The Brothers' Dynamic: Ryan attempts to maintain a semblance of normalcy, balancing his social life with caring for his younger brother, James (Sam Duncan). The family's fragile stability is further disrupted when his older brother, Jason (Dylan McTee), returns home unexpectedly from college in a visibly dark and disturbed mental state.

• The Manifestation of Trauma: As Ryan tries to understand Jason's rapid decline, he begins to see a grotesque, shadowy figure—dubbed "The Shade"—stalking him. This entity is explicitly a metaphor for the inherited mental illness and unprocessed emotional trauma that runs in their family, seemingly having already taken hold of Jason.

• Psychological Slow Burn: The film is characterized as an "unnerving slow burn horror," prioritizing atmosphere and psychological tension over jump scares. The creature remains largely in shadows, its full, disturbing form revealed only sparingly.

• Intergenerational Conflict/Struggle: Ryan's journey becomes a desperate fight to break the destructive generational cycle of mental illness, trying to protect his younger brother James, who appears least affected, from a similar fate.

• Key Performances: Chris Galust's portrayal of Ryan is lauded for its "raw and vulnerable" authenticity, capturing his struggles with anxiety. Dylan McTee also delivers a "grounded performance" as Jason, conveying his inner battle with depression and grief. Sam Duncan provides a solid performance as the youngest brother, grounding the familial dynamics.

• Filmmaking Style: The film uses minimal but effective special effects, particularly for the creature's makeup, and atmospheric lighting to enhance its unsettling tone. It also features "other mysterious figures that show up that look like dark priests," adding to the foreboding atmosphere.

• Thematic Depth: While leaning more into drama than conventional horror, The Shade presents mental illness in a unique way, prompting viewers to consider "survivor's guilt and how suicide destroys everything and everyone in its wake." It is a film about "how to continue living in a world where our actions constantly cause misery, uncertainty, and pain."

Plot Summary

• Tragic Loss: The family is reeling from the recent suicide of the father.

• Ryan's Burden: Twenty-year-old Ryan struggles with anxiety and attempts to keep the family together, caring for his younger brother.

• Jason's Return and Decline: Older brother Jason returns from college, visibly suffering from a severe mental decline.

• The Manifestation: Ryan begins to see a grotesque, shadowy figure, "The Shade," which symbolizes the family's inherited mental illness and unaddressed trauma.

• Escalating Threat: The Shade appears to stalk Ryan, reflecting his growing anxiety and the creeping influence of the mental illness.

• Fight to Break the Cycle: Ryan must confront this darkness, symbolized by the creature, in a desperate attempt to protect his younger brother and prevent the family's destructive cycle from continuing.

Director's Vision

Tyler Chipman's directorial vision for The Shade (2023) is to create a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking psychological horror film that primarily explores the devastating effects of inherited mental illness and grief. As both writer and director, Chipman aimed to craft a "slow burn" experience that prioritizes atmosphere and thematic depth over overt scares, using horror elements as a vehicle for a profound human story. His vision emphasizes:

• Metaphorical Horror: The central "Shade" creature is intended to be a powerful metaphor for mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety, showing how it can plague a family across generations. The film aims to present this concept in a unique way, challenging viewers to "think deeper about mental health."

• Atmospheric Tension: Chipman focuses on building tension gradually through "mood-soaked cinematography" and subtle visual cues, allowing dread to "seep into the pores and contaminate the bloodstream" rather than relying on jump scares. The creature is often kept in shadows to maximize its unnerving effect.

• Authentic Portrayal of Grief and Anxiety: He sought to portray the raw and vulnerable experience of grief and anxiety through Chris Galust's performance, aiming for authenticity that allows viewers to see themselves reflected in Ryan's struggles.

• Exploration of Family Cycles: The core of the drama lies in Ryan's attempt to "break the generational chain" of destructive patterns and protect his younger brother from the same fate that befell his father and now plagues his older brother.

• Blurred Genre Lines: Chipman deliberately seeks to "blur genre lines" between horror and drama, using the supernatural elements to highlight the internal and relational struggles of the characters, delivering an "authentic human story inside its horror shell."

Key Themes

• Grief and Loss: The profound impact of the father's suicide on the family, particularly Ryan's struggle to cope.

• Mental Illness and Inherited Trauma: The central theme, represented by "The Shade," exploring how mental health struggles can be passed down through generations and manifest in terrifying ways.

• Family Dysfunction and Responsibility: Ryan's burden of holding his fractured family together and his efforts to protect his younger brother.

• Anxiety and Depression: The film provides a visceral portrayal of Ryan's anxiety attacks and Jason's deep depression, making these internal struggles visible.

• The Unseen Threat: The horror stems from an unseen or dimly seen entity, symbolizing the insidious and pervasive nature of mental illness.

• Breaking Cycles: The desperate fight to interrupt destructive patterns of behavior and inherited pain within a family.

Key Success Factors

• Unique Approach to Mental Illness in Horror: The film uses the supernatural horror genre to effectively and uniquely explore complex themes of inherited mental illness and grief.

• Atmospheric Slow Burn: Its deliberate pacing and focus on psychological tension create a pervasive sense of dread, appealing to fans of nuanced horror.

• Strong Lead Performances: Chris Galust's portrayal of Ryan's anxiety and struggle is highly praised for its authenticity, anchoring the film's emotional core.

• Award-Winning Indie Gem: Its multiple festival awards and positive critical reception highlight its artistic merit and impact within the independent film scene.

• Effective Metaphor: The creature, "The Shade," serves as a powerful and disturbing visual representation of internal torment, resonating deeply with viewers.

Awards and Nominations

The Shade (2023) has received notable awards and nominations during its festival run:

• Brooklyn Horror Film Festival (2023): Winner - 2nd place Audience Award.

• Snowdance Independent Film Festival: Winner - Jury Award Best Feature Film.

• Days of the Dead Film Festival: Winner - Best Special Effects, Best Directing, Best First Time Filmmaker.

• FogFest: Winner - Jury Prize Best Feature Film, Jury Prize Best Feature Film Director, Jury Prize Best Actor in a Feature Film (Chris Galust).

• Days of the Dead Film Festival: Nominated for Best Feature Film, Best Villain, Best in Show, Best Actor (Chris Galust), Best Stunts, Best Cinematography, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Production Design.

• FogFest: Nominated for Best Writing.

These awards underscore the film's strong reception within the independent horror and film festival circuits.

Critical Reception

Critical reception for The Shade (2023) has been largely positive, particularly from genre critics, who praise its unique approach to psychological horror and its exploration of mental health themes.

Special Mark Productions called it an "unnerving slow burn horror film" that is "more atmospheric in its horror, building the tension like a slow descent into madness." It highlighted the creature as a "representation of the mental illness that runs in the family" and praised Chris Galust's "fantastic" and authentic performance as Ryan. BSides Badlands described it as offering a "thought-provoking thesis on suicide and grief," stating that Chipman "excavates inherited mental illness through a terrifying lens." It noted how the film "blankets the audience with a cold sense of dread" and praised Galust's "raw and vulnerable performance," concluding that "Inside its horror shell, The Shade delivers an authentic human story that feels ripped from real life." Dread Central (mixed review) while acknowledging the effective chronicle of "the lasting effects of suicide and the toll it takes on immediate family" and the "well done" metaphor of the "trauma monster," the review found the film "light on substance" and the pacing too slow, with "nearly nothing of real interest transpires" in its over two-hour runtime. It suggested the film might have been "more effectively realized as short form." Overall, while some critics found the pacing slow, the film is largely lauded for its unique blend of horror and drama, strong performances, and meaningful exploration of mental illness.

Reviews

Reviews for The Shade (2023) consistently highlight its unique thematic approach and atmospheric horror:

• Atmosphere and Tension: Reviewers frequently commend the film's "slow burn" approach, which builds a pervasive sense of dread and unease without relying on conventional jump scares. The limited but impactful appearances of the creature are often cited as particularly disturbing.

• Thematic Resonance: The film's exploration of mental illness, inherited trauma, and the impact of suicide is consistently praised for its authenticity and depth. Critics appreciate how the "The Shade" creature serves as a powerful metaphor for these internal struggles.

• Performance Quality: Chris Galust's lead performance as Ryan is a recurring point of praise, with reviewers emphasizing his ability to convey anxiety, grief, and determination with raw vulnerability. The familial dynamic between the three brothers is also noted as a strong element.

• Genre Blending: Critics generally appreciate the film's blend of drama and psychological horror, finding that it enriches the narrative and elevates it beyond typical genre fare, even if some felt it leaned more heavily on the drama.

• Pacing Concerns: A common critique, particularly for those expecting a more traditional horror experience, is the film's slow pacing. Some reviewers felt the narrative progression was minimal in stretches, potentially impacting engagement for certain audiences

Production Summary

The Shade (2023) is an American production with a runtime of 127 minutes (some sources list 107 minutes or 133 minutes). It is directed by Tyler Chipman, who also co-wrote the screenplay with David Purdy. The film was produced by David Purdy for Red King Cinema, a company co-founded by Chipman and Purdy in 2019, focused on independent content. Key crew members include Tom Fitzgerald (Cinematography), Matthew Booras (Film Editing), Brian McOmber (Original Music), and Carl Sprague (Production Design). The film was shot in Massachusetts.

Production Companies

• Red King Cinema

Sales Companies

Jackrabbit Media handled the sales for The Shade (2023), having it listed among their titles for Cannes.

Distribution Companies

• Level 33 Entertainment (North America - Theatrical and Digital)

Streaming Release Date

The Shade (2023) became available for rent or purchase on VOD and digital platforms on November 22, 2024. It is also scheduled to be available on The Criterion Channel for SVOD subscribers on June 10, 2025.

Theatrical Release

The Shade (2023) had a limited theatrical release in the US and Canada starting on September 20, 2024. It premiered at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in 2023. Some sources list an earlier theatrical release date of October 16 or 17, 2023, possibly reflecting earlier festival or limited screenings.

Why to Recommend the Movie

• Unique Horror Approach: It offers a fresh and mature take on horror by using the genre to deeply explore complex themes of grief and inherited mental illness.

• Psychological Depth: The film excels in building suspense and dread through atmosphere and character psychology, making it a thoughtful experience for genre fans.

• Powerful Performances: Chris Galust delivers a standout, authentic portrayal of a young man struggling with anxiety and familial burdens, anchoring the film emotionally.

• Award-Winning Indie Gem: Its multiple festival awards and positive critical reception highlight its artistic merit and impact within the independent film scene.

• Thought-Provoking Narrative: It prompts important conversations about mental health, intergenerational trauma, and the challenges of breaking destructive cycles.

Why to Watch the Movie

• If you appreciate slow-burn psychological horror: The film prioritizes unsettling atmosphere and deep character exploration over conventional jump scares.

• To see horror used as a metaphor: It offers a compelling visual representation of internal struggles and mental health challenges.

• If you're interested in stories about family dynamics and trauma: The film delves into the complex relationships and inherited pain within a grieving family.

• To support independent filmmakers with a unique vision: Tyler Chipman's debut feature demonstrates a distinctive and mature voice in horror.

• If you're looking for a film that blends drama with supernatural elements to explore profound human experiences.

Movie Trend

The film aligns with the growing trend of Elevated Horror or Arthouse Horror, which uses genre elements (supernatural threats, dread) to explore complex psychological, social, or thematic issues (e.g., grief, trauma, mental illness) with a focus on atmosphere and character development over jump scares. It also fits into the subgenre of Metaphorical Horror, where the monstrous entity explicitly represents an internal or societal ill. Additionally, it highlights the increasing prominence of Filmmaker-Driven Independent Cinema, where directors often also write and produce to maintain a singular artistic vision.

Social Trend

The film directly addresses the crucial social trend of Mental Health Awareness and Destigmatization, particularly focusing on the intergenerational aspects of mental illness and the lasting impact of suicide on families. It taps into the societal shift towards openly discussing and understanding the complexities of Grief and Trauma, moving away from silence and shame. By personifying mental illness as a tangible "Shade," the film also contributes to the broader conversation about Invisible Illnesses and the profound internal struggles that can go unacknowledged.

Final Verdict

The Shade (2023), marking Tyler Chipman's feature directorial debut, is a profound and atmospheric psychological horror-drama. It skillfully uses the supernatural as a metaphor for the devastating grip of inherited mental illness and unprocessed grief on a family reeling from suicide. Anchored by Chris Galust's raw and authentic performance as Ryan, the film slowly builds a pervasive sense of dread, exploring the desperate fight to break destructive intergenerational cycles. Despite some critiques on its deliberate pacing, The Shade stands as an award-winning independent film that bravely delves into deeply human themes, offering a unique, unsettling, and highly impactful cinematic experience that contributes significantly to the conversation around mental health in horror.

Recommendations for filmmakers

• Embrace Psychological Depth: When crafting horror, prioritize exploring the psychological states of characters and using external threats as metaphors for internal struggles. This creates a more resonant and lasting impact than relying on cheap scares.

• Master the Slow Burn: If aiming for atmospheric horror, learn to build tension gradually through mood, sound design, and subtle visual cues. This requires patience in storytelling but can lead to a more profound sense of dread.

• Focus on Authentic Performances: Encourage actors to delve deeply into the emotional core of their characters, particularly when dealing with themes like grief, anxiety, or mental illness. Raw and vulnerable portrayals elevate the entire film.

• Develop Personal Projects: Consider expanding acclaimed short films into features, as it allows for a deeper exploration of themes and demonstrates a consistent artistic vision. Co-founding a production company (like Chipman did with Red King Cinema) can provide the autonomy needed for such projects.

• Utilize Genre for Social Commentary: Recognize that horror can be a powerful vehicle for discussing complex societal and personal issues, providing a unique and engaging way to explore sensitive topics.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Invest in Elevated Horror: Continue to support and acquire films that blend genre conventions with artistic ambition and thematic depth. This subgenre consistently produces critically acclaimed and culturally relevant works.

• Prioritize Mental Health Narratives: Actively seek out and fund films that sensitively and authentically address mental health issues, grief, and trauma. These stories are increasingly important for audience connection and societal impact.

• Support Independent Voices: Recognize the value of independent filmmakers who are pushing creative boundaries and telling unique stories. Providing distribution and exposure to these films enriches the cinematic landscape.

• Promote Atmospheric Storytelling: Highlight films that excel in building dread and suspense through atmosphere and psychological tension, rather than solely focusing on jump scares or conventional horror tropes.

• Champion Filmmaker-Driven Projects: Encourage and invest in multi-hyphenate talents (writer/director/producer) who have a clear and singular artistic vision, as their dedication often results in powerful and distinctive films.

Final Conclusions

The Shade (2023), marking Tyler Chipman's feature directorial debut, is a profound and atmospheric psychological horror-drama. It skillfully uses the supernatural as a metaphor for the devastating grip of inherited mental illness and unprocessed grief on a family reeling from suicide. Anchored by Chris Galust's raw and authentic performance as Ryan, the film slowly builds a pervasive sense of dread, exploring the desperate fight to break destructive intergenerational cycles. Despite some critiques on its deliberate pacing, The Shade stands as an award-winning independent film that bravely delves into deeply human themes, offering a unique, unsettling, and highly impactful cinematic experience that contributes significantly to the conversation around mental health in horror.