Fertile Ground (DVD Review)

21 May, 2011 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Street 5/24/11
Lionsgate
Horror
$19.98 DVD
Rated ‘R’ for some bloody violence, sexuality, nudity and language.
Stars Leisha Hailey, Gale Harold, Chelcie Ross, JoNell Kennedy.

A change of scenery always is a good idea following such personal tragedy as a miscarriage. Except, of course, if the new abode is haunted and out in the middle of nowhere.

That’s the premise presented to thirtysomething couple Nate (Gale Harold) and Emily Weaver (Leisha Hailey from “The L Word”) in competent effort Fertile Ground. They take up residence in a secluded farmhouse in upstate New York once owned by his great-great-grandfather.

Nate, the artist, immediately takes to a shed in the backyard and converts it into a studio for an upcoming exhibit. Emily, whose promising clothing-design business took a hiatus following the miscarriage, is determined to make the most of the Spartan surroundings — including exploring (alone, of course) a requisite cellar filled with abandoned steamer trunks, mysterious pictures, dark shadows and lots of cobwebs.

Over time Emily again is with child (hence the title) and also begins to hear noises and see ghosts of tenants past wandering throughout the house or standing behind her in the bathroom mirror (a typical suspense trick).

Indeed, it soon becomes apparent the house has a horrific past, one that involves transforming Nate from an easygoing would-be father into snarling, indifferent a-hole.

Fertile Ground is a boilerplate horror film (despite the dopey title) that takes no chances, except with Emily, which probably is a good thing as she is the only character worth saving.

The DVD comes with engaging behind-the-scenes footage, often a mainstay with a cast and crew eager to please and happy to be working.
 

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