Straight on Till Morning – Horror Movie Review

Straight on Till Morning, Directed by Craig Ouellette. A Horror Movie Review by Jim Mcleod

Dani and Kaitlin are two dreamers falling for each other on a romantic road-trip. The future is theirs – until they cross paths with a twisted family who have something much, much darker in mind.

Director Craig Ouellette
Writers Neal McLaughlin Craig Ouellette

Horror movies are obsessed with putting women through hell. It has been a mainstay of the genre since it first hit the silver screen. However, sadly, in most cases, these horror movies are directed by men with no purpose other than to gratify their own creepy titillations. Most have nothing to say; they are vacuous cheap thrills without respect for the female characters. Not that all horror should have something to say, but if the main thrust of your movie is to torture, torment and abuse the female characters in it, then that sort of movie is not for me. It’s a disappointing genre.  

However, if you look hard enough, there are some diamonds in this subgenre’s filthy gutter.

Craig Ouellette’s Straight on Till Morning is one of these rare diamonds, offering a unique and thought-provoking take on the horror genre.  

Dani and Kaitlin, two adventurous souls with hearts full of dreams, fall for each other during their road trip. But their idyllic journey takes a sinister turn when they cross paths with a twisted family whose unsettling intentions cast a shadow over their blossoming love and threaten to unravel their future.

This may sound like another Wrong Turn into Texas Chainsaw Massacre territory; however, Straight on Till Morning takes this well-worn trope and twists it into something truly magnificent. It is a horror movie that puts its female protagonists through hell but has so much to say about love, life and the ability to face up to some horrible adversity.  

Straight on Till Morning is a masterclass in psychological horror that transports you into the chilling depths of the human psyche and the darkness that lurks within. The film weaves a haunting narrative that juxtaposes everyday life with elements of the truly horrific, creating an atmosphere of sheer suspense and terror as Dani and Kaitlin fight for survival against one of the most messed up horror families in recent years.  

Where Straight on Till Morning really succeeds is in its ability to pile on the sense of dread.

Craig Ouellette never lets up. He has created a horror movie that refuses to allow you to take a breath, ensuring that you are focused to the point of hypnotism on the screen. And while you might wince and bite the corner of your comfort pillow, you will find that you are too scared to blink once during this amazing, brutal, and thought-provoking film, keeping you captivated and engrossed throughout.

From the beginning, the cinematography captures an unsettling beauty—a world that feels familiar and disturbingly foreign. Each frame is meticulously crafted, pulling the viewer deeper into the protagonist’s haunting journey.

Craig Ouelletteexpertly utilizes light and shadow to scare and elicit an emotional response. Keeping viewers on edge with every creak in the hallway and flicker of light.

The performances are equally compelling. Particularly from Kelsey Christian and Bonnie Jean Tyer, who inhabit their roles with vulnerability and raw emotion. For a low-budget horror movie like this, Craig Ouellette has found a cast that does Straight on Till Morning, the service it demands. Watching the emotional journey from star-crossed lovers to the participant in a twisted terror is outstanding. With a pair of sublime performances that ground the movie’s emotional heart.  

You’ll find yourself invested in their descent into madness.

As they spiral deeper into a web of terror, you can’t help but feel their struggle not just for survival. But for their ever-shifting emotions and relationship dynamics.

The supporting cast adds depth, portraying vividly drawn, unsettlingly complex characters that make us question the ambiguous nature of evil, engaging us in the narrative. I mean, we all want the best for our kids and for them to fall in love.  

Now, when it comes to horror families, almost every angle has been done a million times before. However, Maria Olsen, Bill Hengstenberg, and Michael Gmur as the terrifying Robinson family work perfectly together. Thanks to the melding of great writing, direction, and acting performances. They manage to do the almost impossible and breathe new life into a psychotic horror family.  

Perhaps the reason for why they are who they are is one of the defining parts of Straight on Till Morning. Far too often, the families are evil for rather tired reasons such as inbreeding, toxic waste, etc. However, Craig Ouellette really tugs at the heartstrings here, which is a refreshing take on this genre. Much like his portrayal of the LGBTQ elements of this film, Craig Ouellette makes a profound and powerful statement.

Michael Gmur’s performance as the menacing Virgil must get a special mention.

We have all seen this character a million times before, and I won’t spoil it for you by describing the character. Suffice it to say that he brings a powerful sense of humanity to the role; while you won’t be rooting for him, he is part of a killer family. However, there is a sense of pathos and poignance to his performance that you cannot help but feel for him.  

Straight on Till Morning‘s score deserves a mention. Each haunting note amplifies the suspense, often leaving the audience breathless.

Ouellette’s ability to build tension through sound is a standout quality that heightens the experience. Guiding you through moments of dread and anticipation in a way that feels electric.

Though the plot sometimes teeters on the edge of cliché, the fresh take and innovative twists keep the narrative thrilling and unpredictable. Proving that Ouellette is a director we all need to have on our radar. But be warned there is some truly brutal and difficult to watch scenes on offer here. However Craig Ouellette’s never steps over into titilation and gore for the sake of gore. There is a restarined hand in use here, that elevates the movie from its genre roots.

Straight on Till Morning harnesses the fundamental fears of isolation and the unknown. It challenges you to confront what terrifies you, making it perfect for casual viewers seeking a rush and horror fans searching for something with substance.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that linger in your mind long after watching. Straight on Till Morning is a spectacularly unsettling ride you won’t want to miss. Be prepared to reflect on what you thought you knew about fear—once you embark, there’s no turning back.