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"13th Child" is a 2002 independent horror film that weaves together supernatural elements with mysterious folklore. Directed by Thomas Ashley and Steven Stockage, this movie features an ensemble cast which includes Cliff Robertson, Lesley-Anne Down, and Christopher Atkins. Set against the chilling backdrop of the dense New Jersey Pine Barrens, the film delves into the terrifying legend of the Jersey Devil, a mythical creature said to be born as the 13th child to a local family, cursed and transformed into a demonic entity.

Cliff Robertson portrays a seasoned and enigmatic character, Mr. Shroud, whose deep knowledge of the Pine Barrens and its legends proves pivotal throughout the narrative. Lesley-Anne Down plays District Attorney Murphy whose involvement in the unfolding events adds a layer of complexity and governmental intrigue to the storyline. Christopher Atkins is Danny Toler, a young and ambitious deputy who, alongside his partner, becomes deeply entangled with the mysterious happenings in the woods.

The film begins with a series of bizarre and inexplicable incidents occurring within the Pine Barrens. Local residents and authorities are baffled by the strange phenomena, which seem to revolve around brutal, unexplained deaths. Folklore and wild tales swirl amongst the townspeople, who whisper of the legendary Jersey Devil, an ominous figure rumored to stalk the woods and prey on the unsuspecting.

As the body count rises and panic intensifies, an investigative team is assembled to uncover the truth behind the gruesome events. This team includes a dedicated state trooper, a forensic expert, and a uniquely insightful and eccentric cryptozoologist, who brings a wealth of knowledge concerning cryptids and legends to the investigation.

The deeper the team digs into the mystery, the clearer it becomes that there are forces at work beyond the scope of normal human understanding. With each clue pointing towards the supernatural, the investigators are forced to consider the possibility that the tales of the 13th child—the Jersey Devil—are more than just myth.

Throughout the film, "13th Child" skillfully interlaces the investigation with the rich history and culture surrounding the Pine Barrens. The narrative doesn't just explore the fear that grips the present-day community, but also delves into the origins of the legend, harking back to the 18th century when the creature was first said to be born and subsequently doomed to haunt the Barrens for eternity.

An undercurrent of skepticism runs through the film as some characters doubt the possibility of a mythical creature being responsible for the terror, while others fully believe or come to believe due to their direct confrontations with the unexplainable. The storyline masterfully plays with the tension between these differing perspectives, leaving the audience wondering what to believe.

The atmosphere of "13th Child" is heavily reliant on the unsettling and almost tangible aura of the Pine Barrens—a character in itself—composed of the dense forest, the fog-shrouded environments, and the cavernous silence broken only by the sounds of nature or something far more sinister. The cinematography contributes to the eerie ambience with moody lighting, confined woodland shots, and looming shadows that create a sense of claustrophobia and dread.

As for the performances, the cast tacitly navigates the strange and terrifying developments. Cliff Robertson brings a gravity and secrecy to his role that adds to the film's mystique, while Lesley-Anne Down portrays a figure torn between the pressures of her official duties and the terrifying reality confronting her. Christopher Atkins, though perhaps less seasoned than his co-stars, presents a recognizable face of youthful zeal and curiosity that draws the audience into the investigation and the horror that it uncovers.

With an eclectic mix of suspense, myth, and horror, "13th Child" is a film that seeks to captivate those who have a penchant for cryptozoological mysteries and the darker, unexplored facets of folklore. It nudges the audience to question the thin line between legend and reality, and whether some stories are told to explain the unexplainable. Nonetheless, "13th Child" remains a niche film, perhaps most appealing to enthusiasts of low-budget horror films and American folklore, delivering a concoction of tension, intrigue, and a touch of the arcane.

13th Child is a 2002 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.9.