Chris Milewski, Domiziano Cristopharo and Brace Beltempo are the directors involved in P.O.E. 4 - The Black Cat (Italy, USA - 2018), the horror anthology consisting of three stories, each of which is loosely inspired by "The black cat", the famous short story by Edgar Allan Poe.
Produced by Domiziano Cristopharo's ENCHANTED ARCHITECT and Tony Newton's VESTRA PICTURES, P.O.E. 4 - The Black Cat is the fourth and final chapter in the saga devoted to the works of the American writer. The titles of the previous anthologies in fact are "P.O.E.: Poetry of Eerie“, “P.O.E.: Project of Evil" e "P.O.E. 3: Pieces of Eldritch” (movie review).
Characterized by different styles, P.O.E. 4 - The Black Cat, offers a personal and distinctive interpretation of Poe's work. Written and directed by Chris di Milewski, "House of the Black Cat" is a true homage to the cinema of Lucio Fulci, as are Milewski's other films (Violets Bloom At An Empty Grave, "Pharmacophobia" in Phobia).
In "House of the Black Cat", framing, photography (by Franco Massaccesi), the murderer's modus operandi, and the gloomy Fabio Frizzi-style music (Giombini & Bowr) immerse the viewer in an unforgettable and nostalgic Fulcian atmosphere in which one can discern, in particular, references to That villa next to the cemetery, and to ...And you will live in terror! The afterlife.
Chris Milewski confirms himself as an exemplary "disciple" of Lucio Fulci while his "House of the Black Cat", cast in an extraordinarily leaden vintage dimension, is a successful tribute to Poe's famous tale.
Poor in dialogue but rich in suspense, "House of the Black Cat“ features Mr. Allan (Jeffrey Voice), a blind man who nevertheless manages to draw despite his disability. A thief (Eric Bower) takes advantage of the absence of his assistant Eugenie (Karen Lynn) to sneak into the disabled man's home and attempt to kill him.
It continues with "Black" directed by the experienced Domiziano Cristopharo (House of the Flesh Mannequins, Red Krokodil, Doll Syndrome), an episode abundant in nudity and incorporating themes such as adultery and betrayal. The horror comes late but concentrated in an unexpected final twist with macabre implications. Amplexes, jealousy and despair thus trace a path that results in violence (in this regard, the practical effects are to be admired) unleashed by the "black cat," here an intangible presence but above all a cause not only of death but also of love.
A woman (Chiara Pavoni) is staying at a hotel where her lover (Cleverson Rodrigues) works. Blinded by jealousy, the ex-partner (Giorgio Agri) of the ravishing lady will set out on her trail and try to meet her.
The cast includes Chiara Pavoni (Demonium, Xpiation, Jack The St. Ripper), Cleverson Rodrigues and Giorgio Agri. The screenplay for "Black" is by Andrea Cavaletto (Beautiful People, Hidden in the Woods, The Transparent Woman).
Brace Beltempo (The Carpenter's House) signs on to direct "Insomnia", the third and final episode that draws on modern horror. In this segment, it is topics such as insomnia and depression that trace a path leading to evil, here elaborated as possession.
"Insomnia" is weakened by a fairly slow opening part and mediocre acting evidence. The episode picks up in the finale, giving the audience a successful example of possession accompanied by good use of violence and cruelty.
The cast includes Selene Feltrin, Stefano Sala, Martina Ambrosini and Giorgia Masciari.
The screenplay of "Insomnia" is by Alessandro Di Rosa.
The protagonist of the story is a girl (Selene Feltrin) suffering from a sleep and mood disorder. Her condition will negatively affect her family, psychologically breaking down both her husband (Stefano Sala) and daughter (Martina Ambrosini). One night, the woman will come into possession of a mysterious amulet. Once worn, an evil force will take over her mind and body..
