Review: The Resurrection of Charles Manson

Text © Richard Gary / Indie Horror Films, 2023
Images from the Internet

The Resurrection of Charles Manson (aka Man’s Son)
Directed by Remy Grillo;
Bolt Films; Dare Angel; Hooligan Dreamers; Margate House Films; Voltage Pictures; The Movie Partnership; XYZ Films
78 minutes; 2023
www.xyzfilms.com

Not being a Christian, thank god, I had not yet thought about Jesus being the “Son of Man,” and Charlie, who many believe was the anti-Christ (and others, a savior), as “Man son” (aka “Man’s son”), the latter of which is the Canadian title for this release. That is as cool as Lincoln’s secretary being named Kennedy, and Kennedy’s secretary was named Lincoln. But I digress (and so quickly!)…

Manson, like Jesus, has become more than just a man (well, there is proof that at least one of them existed), but has become a cultural icon beyond the actions that made them so. Manson has become the folk boogeyman that people love to hate, or just love as a symbol, much as Jason and Michael; someone you can admire, but not necessarily one you would want to share a space in the real world.

Katherine Hughes

Actress Tianna (Katherine Hughes) and photographer boyfriend Mitch (Josh Plasse), who have a bit of a fraught relationship, decide to go on a vacation to a secluded area in the desert Yucca Valley (California) area. There is an indication right off the bat that there is something fishy going on with a cultish symbol of an ouroboro showing up in tattoos and scratches into the dirt.

Tianna is prepping to audition for a film in which she would play one of Manson’s “family.” The idea is to stay in a place similar to the Spahn Ranch to get into the role. But Manson’s ideology has not left the neighborhood. The cult is run by Robert (in an extended cameo, the director’s father, Frank Grillo, from 2011’s The Grey, part of The Purge franchise, and as Brock Rumlow in a bunch of Marvel Universe films revolving around Captain America), and his wife (a cameo by actor/model Jaime King, doing her best Morticia). They were of the original Manson family members, who are planning to do a sacrifice ceremony to bring Charlie, their “Lord” (as Robert puts it), back from the dead, with help from their oddball son, Lucas (Will Peltz). This is to take place on the anniversary of Charlie’s death (November 19). And, of course, Tianna and Mitch fit right into their plans in various roles.

Josh Plasse

First of all, this is Remy Grillo’s first directorial effort, and for a newbie, he does an amazing job. The cinematography alone, by Peter Tolifson, is fantastic, employing shots of the desert and bare hills filling up the screen in its sterile beauty. Sometimes it is from a higher view, thanks to some drone work.

Also, the soundtrack is really fine singer-songwriter and soft rock tunes, that unfortunately did not get listed in the credits. It had just the right spirit for the tone of the film.

Frank Grillo

This is a pretty seasoned cast, so it should be no surprise that everyone came out looking good. I was amused at just how “New York” Grillo came across onscreen, looking like he just stepped out of a wiseguy film, with his facial brush, accent sneaking through, and even his body language; it was an enjoyable display for this Bensonhurst (Brooklyn) writer. While there are not many scenes of violence and gore, what does show up scattershot is quite effective and is stronger by being applied so sparingly.

While enjoying the storyline, and the visuals and aural elements of the film, I do actually have a quibble, and this is hopefully just a beginner’s learning experience: I found that chucks of the film, mostly in the first half, tended to, well, meander. It could have used some tightening up a bit, as some moments lulled (e.g., when they first arrive at where they are staying in the desert).

All that being said, there were some strong twists and turns that I did not see coming – and I am talking about a few of them. Also, these unexpected moments occurred throughout the last half of the film, so it was not just concentrated at the very end.

Speaking of the conclusion, during the end credits, there is a whole section for the people who did the COVID testing. First time I have seen that. Cool.

There is no new products listed for Remy in the directorial section of IMDB, but I am truly hoping to see him keep this up. I believe he has a vision, and works well bringing that to the screen.

IMDB listing HERE