Writer/Director Stuart Ortiz has a new feature, Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire, that just celebrated the World Premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX this weekend. Although I knew going into the theater that this is not a factual documentary, the excellent story Ortiz has written will certainly have you thinking this is the real work of a serial killer known as “Mr. Shiny” who murdered people in San Bernardino County. This could also be called “the return” of the serial killer who had previously terrorized the communities twenty years earlier.
The detectives on the case are Joe Kirby (Peter Zizzo) and Lexi Taylor (Terri Apple) and are also noted to be the authorities on the topic of Mr. Shiny. This serial killer commits crimes of a horrible nature. The film covers the story of a mother of a young child who had been active in her community and neighborhood, and then they disappear. The crime scene is shown in detail, and it is not an easy scene to watch. This certainly is an excellent eye opener to see what more to anticipate from this filmmaker. This is just the first of many chilling scenes.
The serial killer at first seems to be trying to keep his identity secret, but it doesn’t take long before he starts to leave handwritten letters and a symbol as his “signature” in the crime scene and on the victims. penned in blood. He is creepy.
The lead detectives, Zizzo and Apple, give great performances in the way they portray themselves as long term and tenured detectives. This appears to be an authentic documentary with all the talented cast and the excellent special makeup effects by Josh Russell. The performances also include Andy Lauer (Swim), Matthew Peschio (They’re Inside), Janna Cardia (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), LA Williams (Gone Girl), Tim Shelburne (Mind Over Murder), Christina Helena Bra and Thomas Wolfe Jr.
There is some gruesome crime scenes left by the villain that might churn some stomachs, so be prepared for this horror film to not shy away from making people squirm in their theater seats.
The film will have additional screenings during the festival on Thursday, September 26th, 5:25 PM in two theaters.
Source: XYZ Films, Fantastic Fest
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