The Vigil (2020)

In the heart of Boro Park, Brooklyn, within the folds of the Hasidic community, a disheartened young man, grappling with dwindling faith and finances, grudgingly steps into the role of an overnight 'shomer' - a sentinel tasked with the solemn Jewish duty of vigil over a deceased member from the Orthodox circle. His companions for the night are the silent dead and a frail widow, whose veiled doubts over his competence cast an ominous shadow. He soon finds himself a pawn in a chilling haunt, trapped within the oppressive walls of a house that has unwittingly become a playground for a malevolent presence. Dave Davis delivers a deeply moving performance as the reluctant guardian, radiating a palpable mix of jangled nerves and quiet exhaustion. As the night evolves, his vigil morphs into a daunting spiritual exploration of his haunted surroundings and his own tragic history, a journey that dares to confront the deeply buried traumas of his community. Under the skilled direction of Keith Thomas, in his feature film debut, the narrative builds to a surreal and unsettling crescendo, where the abundant chills give way to a touching resolution, leaving a lingering dread that haunts audiences long after the end credits. "The Vigil" boldly ventures into a lesser-explored realm of supernatural horror, one steeped not in Christian lore but in Jewish mysticism. It's an unnerving ride riddled with demons, curses, and all the spine-tingling elements that make for a perfect midnight scare. The film's unique blend of horror and cultural specificity ensures that it stands out, offering a chilling, yet enlightening cinematic experience.

The Vigil is a horror movie featuring Dave Davis and directed by Keith Thomas.

The Vigil is currently streaming on AMC+ Amazon Channel, Hulu, Shudder and Shudder Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Vigil on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on DIRECTV.