Name: Girl on the Third Floor
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Released: 2019-10-25T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Phil Brooks, Trieste Kelly Dunn, Sarah Brooks, Elissa Dowling, Karen Woditsch

The sludge seeps from the walls like a slow-motion nightmare, thick and glistening under the flickering light of Don Koch’s new home. This isn’t just a haunting; it’s an infection, a visceral invasion that sets the tone for Travis Stevens’ Girl on the Third Floor. Released in 2019, this horror-thriller hybrid marks Stevens’ directorial debut and offers a grimy, atmospheric descent into madness, anchored by practical effects that make you want to scrub your skin afterward. Phil Brooks, known to wrestling fans as CM Punk, delivers a performance that is raw and unpolished in the best way possible, grounding the film with a palpable sense of dread.

Stevens, who co-wrote the screenplay with Ben Parker, shows a keen eye for atmosphere and pacing. The film’s slow burn builds tension effectively, especially in the early scenes where Don’s paranoia grows alongside the house’s decay. The use of practical effects is a standout. The sludge, the marbles, even Sarah Yates’ grotesque transformation—these elements are tactile and unsettling, grounding the supernatural horror in something tangible. This approach to horror harkens back to the days of practical makeup and physical sets, a refreshing departure from the CGI-heavy horrors that dominate modern cinema.

Brooks’ portrayal of Don Koch is the film’s strongest asset. His character is deeply flawed, a man trying to outrun his past while being consumed by his present. The scene where he confesses his affair to Liz over a video call is particularly powerful, showcasing Brooks’ ability to convey guilt and desperation without resorting to melodrama. Trieste Kelly Dunn, as Liz Koch, provides strong support, though her character arc is somewhat overshadowed by Brooks’ more prominent role. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, adding an emotional depth that elevates the film beyond mere horror tropes.

The film’s exploration of themes such as redemption and the cyclical nature of violence adds a layer of complexity. Don’s attempts to renovate the house mirror his struggle to redeem himself, but the house’s sordid history and supernatural forces conspire against him. The revelation of the house’s past as a brothel and the hidden attic room filled with disturbing drawings add a historical weight to the horror, suggesting that some sins are never truly erased.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The narrative occasionally stumbles, particularly in the latter half, where the pacing falters and some plot points feel rushed. The introduction of the deformed woman and her marbles feels abrupt, and the resolution of Don’s story lacks the emotional weight it aims for. Additionally, while Trieste Kelly Dunn is compelling as Liz, her character arc is somewhat overshadowed by Brooks’ more prominent role.

The film’s originality lies in its willingness to embrace the gritty and the grotesque. It doesn’t shy away from body horror or psychological torment, making it a refreshing departure from more polished horror fare. However, this originality sometimes comes at the expense of coherence, with certain plot twists feeling contrived rather than earned.

In terms of genre fit, Girl on the Third Floor straddles the line between horror and thriller, with a strong emphasis on psychological terror. The film’s slow-burn approach and reliance on atmosphere make it a good fit for fans of slower, more methodical horror films like The Witch or Hereditary. However, those looking for quick scares or fast-paced action may find the film’s pacing to be a drawback.

Comparatively, Girl on the Third Floor stands out for its practical effects and strong performances. While it may not reach the heights of genre-defining films like The Exorcist or The Shining, it carves out its own niche with its unique blend of horror and thriller elements. The film’s release on Netflix in 2019 garnered largely positive reviews at festivals like South By Southwest, Boston Underground, and London FrightFest, highlighting its appeal to horror enthusiasts.

In the end, Girl on the Third Floor is a film that thrives on its atmosphere and performances but stumbles in its execution. The practical effects are superb, the performances are compelling, and the themes are thought-provoking. However, the narrative’s flaws and pacing issues hold it back from being a truly standout horror film.