Movie: SEANCE

                     Rating: NR, thriller

                          Length: 1:25

         Release Date: SEPTEMBER ?, 2026

JEANNE: Writer/director Vivian Kerr has penned an intriguing psychological thriller, entitled SÉANCE, in which she stars as Lillian, a wife and mother in 1892 California who has just lost her young daughter. She is married to George (Jilon VanOver), who is also distraught about the death of their little girl Hazel.

Kerr’s film is set along the coast of California and begins with the tragic drowning of Hazel. Lillian is unable to save her, a “crime” for which she holds herself responsible, as does George. Vacationing in the area is George’s ex-wife, Emma Strand (Scottie Thompson) and her new husband, Albert (Connor Paolo). Emma has become a very successful author, which was the reason for her marriage to George ending.

A brief encounter on the beach between Lillian, George, Emma and Albert results in a dinner invitation to Lillian and George’s mansion. Though Albert is wary of accepting, he will do anything to please Emma. A sudden violent storm prevents Emma and Albert from returning to their hotel. Lillian jumps at the chance to hold a séance so she can contact her dead daughter.

As the night wears on, disturbing things begin happening, leading everyone to the possibility that the house is haunted. And it’s becoming more and more apparent that perhaps Emma made a mistake in leaving George, as Albert is not up to the task of being a devoted husband.

SÉANCE is very well written --- and directed --- by Kerr. She has masterfully concocted a believable premise and an intellectual thriller which keeps the audience engaged and on their toes. And as Lillian, Kerr continually brings into question her sanity. It’s a terrific performance, along with those of her co-stars.

Thompson is perfectly cast as the ethereal Emma, trapped by her own success in the Victorian world of 1892. VanOver plays the wealthy, handsome George with panache --- and a slight hint of something else. Evil, perhaps? And though Albert is quite shy and languishes in his wife’s shadow, Paolo is remarkable in his efforts to convey Albert’s passivity --- and reluctance to disappoint his beautiful, but older wife.

SÉANCE is thoroughly entertaining. From the first scene to the very last, it grabs your attention and holds it!

OPINION: SEE IT NOW!

DAVID: SÉANCE is a dialogue-driven, intellectual thriller that features superb acting, excellent writing and an original score that helps to maintain the suspense at a high level. The movie was released in the U.S. in 2024 and received many awards and accolades at various film festivals. The beauty of the script, like any mystery thriller, is that we’re never sure of what will happen next. Predictable at times, yet full of surprises, SÉANCE is a flawless production.

A quartet of fine actors holds the audience’s attention throughout. Emma Strand (Scottie Thompson) is the wife of Albert (Connor Paolo). While the vacationing Emma and Albert are laying on a secluded beach in California --- the year is 1892 --- George Ford (Jilon VanOver) and his wife Lillian (Vivian Kerr, who also writes and directs) appear to say hello.

Emma is shocked to see George because they were once married. Why they were divorced is revealed later, as are many aspects of each character. It truly is like peeling back the skin of an onion as more and more revelations are made known.

George and Lillian invite the other couple to their home for dinner. But a major storm erupts so Emma and Albert are convinced to spend the night. The foursome’s early interaction in the huge house is intriguing as they sit around making conversation. It turns out that George and Lillian lost their young daughter Hazel only months earlier in a drowning accident. Lillian, who feels supremely guilty for not saving Hazel, is convinced she can still communicate with her deceased daughter and proposes a séance, especially since she now has the necessary four people. 

The screenplay by Kerr draws heavily on marital relations and suggests possible infidelity between George and Emma. Neither is happy with their current spouse, so an affair is in order? The characters are written with great depth. Each has distinctive and memorable moments, whether in a group setting or opposite one another.

The accomplished visual effects team, led by George Olivo and Terry Silberman, provides skillful underwater shots, and of course the bizarre happenings at the séance. Kudos to Arturo Rodriguez and Holly Tatnall for their amazing soundtrack. A rather stunning conclusion in the film’s final 20 seconds is certain to solidify Kerr’s film as a thriller.

OPINION: SEE IT NOW!

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