A couple encounter a strange cult that worships a Bigfoot in this really good indie thriller that has shades of Midsommar and an 80’s cult classic.

Carla and Dean are a couple who decide to get out of the city and start a new life in the wilderness. They buy a property nearby a forest where it is believed that a spirit is there to protect the forest. At first, they try to make the most of things. However, underneath the surface, one of the big reasons they moved is because they are attempting to save their marriage in a last-ditch effort. However, something is in store for them.

The couple meets Arlo, a mysterious man who is the leader of a local cult who believe in the spirit, which is a giant sasquatch. One of the members is the realtor who sold the house to Carla and Dean. Arlo soon has Carla eating out of the palm of his hand, where Dean begins to suspect something isn’t right. There is even some dissention within the group itself when Arlo determines someone will be sacrificed for the spirit. Some soon realize that Arlo may not be who he is but they soon come to a shocking realization about the spirit that protects the forest.

From director Jon Garcia comes this very insane film that has the feel of Midsommar and adds an element to a certain 80’s cult classic horror film with its finale. What’s great in the film is that it focuses not just on our couple Carla and Dean, played by Krystal Millie Valdes and Ernesto Reyes, and their experiences with the forest cult, but also, we see glimpses of why they made this last-ditch effort to save their marriage when Dean tries to contact his side piece, who no longer wants anything to do with him.

Jesse Tayeh’s Arlo is quite mysterious and yet amps up the charm when it comes introducing Carla and Dean into the group. Carla seems to be more involved and while she has support from Isabelle Muthias’s Celeste, there are a few others, notably Jasmine Sinclair’s Clear and Lacy Todd’s River, who feel a bit uneasy about Carla. It is as they suspect Carla will eventually have to go against them. Perhaps Carla sees the cult as a plan B in case the marriage doesn’t work out.

However, one thing is for sure. There is a beast involved in the film and Sean Sisson makes the most of his screen time as the Bigfoot. There are a few kill scenes, including the shocking third act. The third act is where things get very bloody and intense. Lots of twists are involved fans of a certain 80’s cult classic will totally get it by the film’s end.

Summoning the Spirit is definitely a surprise movie as the film melds shades of Midsommar with the likes of 80’s cult classics, especially with the third act. The cast in this is great to watch, notably Krystal Millie Valdes and Ernesto Dean as the couple involved in the tale.

WFG RATING: A-

Dark Star Pictures presents a Lake Productions film. Director: Jon Garcia. Producers: Jon Garcia, Mike Repsch, Joe Jatcko, and Lacy Todd. Writers: Jon Garcia and Zach Carter. Cinematography: Kevin Forrest. Editing: Matthew Gift and Kellen Vogt.

Cast: Krystal Millie Valdes, Ernesto Reyes, Jesse Tayeh, Isabelle Muthiah, Sean Sisson, Robin Magdhalen, Jasmine Sinclair, Lacy Todd, Jimmy Garcia, Bruce Jennings, Alan Burrell, Benta Fitzmorris.