Watch The Soul Collector

The Soul Collector, released in 2019, is a South African horror film that weaves together elements of supernatural terror with poignant human drama. Directed by Harold Hölscher, the movie stars Tshamano Sebe, Inge Beckmann, and young actress Keita Luna in critical roles. Set against the backdrop of the country's enchanting landscapes, the film offers an engaging narrative that delves deep into the realm of folklore and forgotten spirits.

At the heart of The Soul Collector lies a tale surrounding an old family estate nestled within South Africa's rural hinterlands. Tshamano Sebe plays Lazarus, an enigmatic character shrouded in mystery. With a history that is intricately entwined with the land he wanders, Lazarus presents a character study in tragedy and redemption. Throughout the story, he carries with him an aura of sorrow and otherworldliness that are central to the film's atmospheric pull.

Inge Beckmann plays Sarah, a woman who, along with her husband and their adopted daughter, Mary, portrayed by Keita Luna, seeks to begin anew following a set of life-altering circumstances. They arrive at the family's run-down farm with hopes of restoration—not just of the property but of their own lives as well. Unbeknownst to them, the farm holds ancient secrets that will challenge their perceptions of reality, as the family becomes entangled in a world where the boundaries between the living and the dead are unsettlingly blurred.

As the family settles in, the daughter, Mary, forms an unlikely bond with Lazarus. He is a figure feared and misunderstood by the locals due to his connection with the occult and his perceived communion with the spirits of the dead. But to Mary, Lazarus evokes a combination of curiosity and compassion, and their friendship blossoms amidst the enigma that surrounds him. Keita Luna brings a sense of innocence and wonder to her portrayal of Mary, providing a stark contrast to the darker themes that run through the film.

The story takes viewers on a journey that explores themes such as grief, atonement, and the universal fear of the unknown. The filmmakers skillfully intertwine myth and reality as the plot unfolds, with the supernatural elements serving as both literal and metaphorical representations of the characters' inner demons and past misdeeds. This is especially evident in the way The Soul Collector delves into African folklore, bringing to the forefront stories that are rich with cultural significance, yet often remain untapped on the international cinematic stage.

Director Harold Hölscher's artistic direction and the use of the South African setting play a pivotal role in establishing the movie's tone. The lush, yet haunting landscapes serve as a perfect canvas for the story's ethereal and suspenseful events. The contrast between the beauty of the natural surroundings and the sinister undertones of the plot creates a palpable tension that is conveyed through the film's cinematography, anchored by gritty and somber visuals.

Throughout the film, Lazarus' character, embodied with a compelling gravitas by Tshamano Sebe, exemplifies a complex blend of menace and pathos. His performance reflects a deep understanding of the human condition and the pain that comes with loss and alienation. Sebe's portrayal of Lazarus is one that injects a multifaceted depth into the narrative, making the character's journey one of the most gripping aspects of the movie.

Inge Beckmann's Sarah provides a strong counterpoint to Lazarus, encapsulating the protective maternal instinct and the desperation of someone fighting for her family's future. She navigates a range of emotions as Sarah grapples with the supernatural events unfolding around her, and the strength of her portrayal anchors the family's narrative arc amidst the chaos of the supernatural encounters.

As tensions escalate and the supernatural manifestations grow more intense, The Soul Collector builds to a crescendo that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. With its careful pacing, the film avoids the trappings of cheap thrills, opting instead for a sense of creeping dread that grows with each passing scene.

A defining aspect of The Soul Collector is how it uses horror as a medium to reflect upon cultural identity, historical injustices, and the nature of forgiveness. By presenting a story that is deeply rooted in South African storytelling traditions, the film offers a unique perspective and serves as a testament to the potent blend of local folklore and universal themes that run through the horror genre.

The Soul Collector stands as a haunting, thoughtfully crafted work of cinema that will not only chill the spine but also provoke reflection on the ghosts of both personal and collective pasts. Its synthesis of human emotion with dark fantasy makes it a standout feature, offering film-goers an eerie yet poignant experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

The Soul Collector is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.