Dark Harvest Review: A Modern Twist on a Classic Scarecrow Legend

by Haley November 3, 2023

There’s a delicate balance between paying homage to classic tales and innovating for a modern audience. “Dark Harvest” attempts to walk this tightrope, and while it doesn’t always maintain its balance, it offers a few unexpected twists that make it worth the watch.

The film’s premise revolves around a cursed town where the annual harvest transforms into a brutal battle for survival. On Halloween 1963, the legend of Sawtooth Jack, a pumpkin-headed scarecrow phantom, rises from the cornfields, setting the stage for a tale of terror. The monster, Sawtooth Jack, is undeniably the highlight of the film. His design, brought to life by Vincent Van Dyke Effects, is reminiscent of classic horror figures like Pumpkinhead, yet with a unique twist that sets him apart.

However, the narrative surrounding Sawtooth Jack often misses the mark. The film introduces us to Richie Shepard, a high schooler with a chip on his shoulder stemming from the shadow of his football star brother, Jim. While the interpersonal dynamics offer potential, the execution often falls flat, leading to moments of incredulity rather than genuine horror or empathy.

Director David Slade’s approach to “Dark Harvest” combines a reverence for classic Halloween legends and a desire to break new ground. There are moments where the film feels like a nostalgic nod to age-old tales, but Slade and screenwriter Gilio don’t always provide the necessary guidance to navigate their world, leaving viewers occasionally lost in the cornfields.

Where “Dark Harvest” truly shines is in its stylistic choices. The film is spookily stylish, with a visual aesthetic that captures the eerie atmosphere of a small town plagued by a haunting legend. The cinematography and sound design work in tandem to create an immersive experience, even if the narrative doesn’t always support the ambiance.

“Dark Harvest” is a mixed bag. While it offers a fresh take on a classic legend and boasts some genuinely chilling moments, its narrative inconsistencies prevent it from being a standout in the horror genre.

RATING: 3.0 out of 5

Dark Harvest is now available for streaming.