An ex-priest, Gabriel (Jon Bennett), is recruited by an archbishop (Doug Bradley) to investigate some suspicious behavior that recently took place at an observatory. It’s gone quiet after receiving a radio signal from space–and now the future of mankind looks to be coming to an end. Thorns tells the story of Gabriel and Sister Agnes (Cassandra Schomer) as they fight the evils that stand before them.
I’m not sure that the film ever establishes itself as legitimate–failing to develop relevant characters or an effective storyline. There isn’t much to attach yourself to in this film, and as Thorns barrels forward, it becomes more and more difficult to remain focused. Viewers get subpar acting, uninteresting characters, a storyline that doesn’t seem to be cohesive, and more–and Thorns continues to suffer throughout its entirety as a result of the many shortcomings that befall it. The cinematography, however, is interesting.
Director Douglas Schulze uses a series of unique techniques as a way to entertain viewers. In just about every other way, Thorns reminds viewers of every other low-budget horror film that’s come before. However, the way in which Director of Photography Jack Chaney often includes extreme close-ups of random items is intriguing. Whether it’s a phone, a random piece of the antagonist’s body, or something else–Chaney gets up close and personal. I’ll be honest, it doesn’t feel like the cinematography ever works to lead viewers anywhere–but it does almost force them to remain present, to pay attention as the film moves forward. While I love the visuals, the role they play is small–and this is just another reason that Thorns fails to reach its viewers the way that Schulze intended.
What the film attempts to do in the closing minutes is become more intense, to develop a true, powerful connection to the real world–and, believe it or not, I actually think it worked. There isn’t much about Thorns that works, but the final act, when viewers are finally able to connect with its content, works for the film and allows viewers to finally feel some connection to it. I think it comes a little too late, and I think that the damage is effectively done at this point. This glimpse of success in Thorns is certainly welcome, but it’s a case of too little, too late.
It’s clear that Schulze has a grasp on how to reach his viewers, of how to create something intense enough to intrigue those viewers–but that rarely exists in Thorns. He shows instances of emotional success, proving to his viewers that he has what it takes to drive his film toward success. However, there is such a large disconnect between viewer and content throughout the course of Thorns, and it only temporarily regains balance in this regard, and it’s not enough to right the ship, only enough to give viewers a bit of hope. Thorns ultimately fails to entertain.
Written & Directed by Douglas Schulze.
Starring Jon Bennett, Cassandra Schomer, Bo Schumaker, Doug Bradley, Terence Cover, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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