Directed by: J.C. Doler
Produced By: Logan Donovan, Alexander Jeffery, Paul Petersen, Brittany Fallow, Chris Alan Evans, J.C. Doler
Starring: Logan Donovan, Robert Longstreet, Aleksa Paladino, Tripp Toupal
Directed by J.C. Doler, the film follows a grieving father (Logan Donavan – Master’s of Sex, Grey’s Anatomy) after the death of his only son. He becomes haunted by a terrifying demon from Irish folklore, the Fetch.
This review will contain spoilers, so take note.
THE FETCH is a captivating horror film dealing with many emotional factors. Nicolas (Logan Donovan) is at home with his son Jacob (Tripp Toupal) when a terrible accident occurs. Jacob dies from this accident and shortly after Nicolas attempts to take his life due to the guilt.
After returning home from a mental facility, Nicolas finds his life is falling apart. His wife Charlie (Aleksa Palladino) distances herself from her husband. Nicolas also discovers that an old childhood Folklore, THE FETCH (an exact, spectral double of a living human, whose appearance is regarded as ominous), is now attached to him.
Director J.C. Doler masterfully balances horror with real-world emotional depth, creating a story that feels both terrifying and authentic. Doler’s direction, combined with Logan Donovan’s intense performance, brings to life the complex mental struggles of a bereaved parent. The character’s journey powerfully showcases the heightened risk of mental health challenges, such as complicated grief, anger, guilt, anxiety, and depression, with Doler pushing Donovan to capture each emotion unflinchingly onscreen. Together, they deliver a haunting portrayal that resonates deeply with the audience.
In the story, an unorthodox therapist named Beaumont (played by Robert Longstreet) is brought in to guide Nicolas through the grief and guilt consuming him. Longstreet’s portrayal of Beaumont is captivating, bringing a sense of authenticity that deepens the story and enhances the performances of the rest of the cast. His nuanced approach to the character elevates the emotional weight of the narrative, adding depth and realism to Nicolas’s journey through loss.
As the movie unfolds, supernatural occurrences begin to blur the line between reality and the tormented father’s imagination. Are these eerie events real, or are they manifestations of his grief-stricken mind? The film leaves it up to viewers to interpret, making for a story that not only evokes deep emotion but also invites audiences to explore the main character’s psychological landscape.
Though Aleksa Palladino’s character, Charlie, isn’t the central focus of the film, she leaves a lasting impression whenever she appears onscreen. Palladino maximizes her moments, adding depth and intrigue to the story with each scene, making Charlie’s presence impactful.
The special effects and scares in the film are both “fetching” and unpredictable, adding a fresh and frightening edge to the experience. With no clear pattern as to when the scares will strike, viewers are kept on edge, amplifying the tension and excitement throughout.
The Fetch is genuinely terrifying, whether it’s interpreted as the manifestation of Nicolas’s inner pain or as a haunting presence from Irish folklore tormenting an already broken man. The film feels believable no matter how you choose to view it, skillfully balancing horror with emotional depth. Audiences will come for the scares but will be pleasantly surprised by the unique and powerful performances from the entire cast and crew, making it an unforgettable experience.
THE FETCH celebrated its World
Premiere at Austin Film Festival
on Sunday, October 27th at 9
PM at Galaxy Theater.
