Review: Something in the Dirt

Text © Richard Gary / Indie Horror Films, 2022
Images from the Internet

Something in the Dirt
Directed by Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson
XYZ Films; Rustic Films; Lightbulb Film Distribution; Strike Media
116 minutes, 2022
www.xyzfilms.com/something-in-the-dirt

I belong to a few horror groups on Facebook, and this film has cropped up in comments on occasion. It sounded interesting so I was determined to review it here.

The film centers around two life-stagnant neighbors in Los Angeles, John (co-director Aaron Moorhead) and Levi (co-director and writer, Justin Benson). Scruffy and multiple-tattooed Levi, who drinks a lot, has moved into a new apartment with practically nothing. He meets downstairs neighbor, prim and proper John, who is a math teacher, photographer, and has recently separated from his husband.

Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson

What binds them together is swapping cigarettes (they smoke a lot), and a strange crystal object that Levi has found on his doorstep. At certain times, the rock begins to glow, throw off odd lights, and levitate. They decide to work together to make a documentary about the strange phenomenon, setting up cameras and sound equipment focused on the crystal that Levi initially used as an ashtray.

The purpose of their attempted documentary is to gain some possible influence in the world, and perhaps even make some seed money for future projects (and better their lives). What stands in their way is both the dynamics of the two, lack of skills, and also personality differences with each other as time passes. But there is also the influence of the crystal, as it gains more power to influence objects in Levi’s apartment and then beyond.

It's subtle, but the crystal seems to also affect the personalities of Levi and John, making them verbally strike out at one another, even knowing they need each other. Or perhaps their different personalities are just starting to grate on each others nerves from constant close contact, like a band on the road in a van (e.g., Daltrey and Townshend often engaged in fisticuffs on the road early on).

The assemblage of the film is quite interesting, such as when many topics are discussed in conversation, from the intellectual to the mundane, and we are shown examples of it in a number of b-rolls with very quick editing. This definitely breaks up looking at mostly John and Levi, who dominate the cast, with just minutes given to the few other characters present. Most of these are “Interviews” with the pair individually, and with some “experts” in the field. On some level, their desire for fame has been met.

If I was to describe the film in a single phrase, it would be “wordy.” There is a lot of talk and most of it philosophical, math-driven, and then add in electromagnetism and conspiracy theories. The film does not talk down to its audience, but it also was above my head at times (and I have a Master’s), as they try to figure out why this phenomenon is happening. John is more educated than Levi, and shows it off as much as possible. Personally, I found John a bit unlikeable and insufferable. They both have their faults and we learn more oof Levi’s history than John’s, but John is always showing off with his theories. I found him annoyingly self-righteous.

That being said, the acting by the two leads is sensitive and nuanced at the same time, and kudos to them for that. Nearly every other character is seen in snippets, or brief talking heads interview, and are intentionally stiff, as are most in talking heads interviews.

Benson, crystal, Moorhead

The sets are pretty simple, mostly in Levi’s sparse apartment, and the SFX are well done, though mostly lights flashing and levitation of multiple objects (and people). The story itself is both simple and complex, alternatively. The basic premise of a recurring supernatural event(s) mixed with nearly academic-level language (to me), make this an odd stew of the sublime and quirky.

It is no surprise to me this has been getting a lot of attention. It is quite arty, with the b-rolls and general editing and cinematography, and yet it is visually accessible without being too “showy.” Moorhead and Benson have a lot of experience in writing, directing, acting, and cinematography, and I see a lot of those skills represented in here.

Something In The Dirt was an entry in the Sundance Film Festival and is currently in UK Cinemas. It will be on Digital Download and Blu-ray in early December.

IMDB listing HERE