Elsewhere also stars Jon Gries (Roger Linus, Ben’s father on Lost) as Mr. Tod; Chuck Carter (The Big Bang Theory, Desperate Housewives) as Sarah’s sleuthing partner, Jasper; Olivia Dawn York as Darla Tod; Paul Wesley (Army Wives,Cane, Fallen, American Dreams, Everwood, The O.C.) as Billy; and Jeffrey Daniel Phillips (Cavemen, Unknown, Hide) as Officer Berg.
Writer-director Nathan Hope (CSI's Director of Photography, who also wrote and directed Lucky), has created a moody chiller in Elsewhere that’s not horror so much as suspense. Although there’s only one jump scare in the whole film, the overall effect is still ominous, creepy and dark.
On the negative side, there are many clichés and cringe-worthy moments in Elsewhere. Sarah follows someone dressed like her friend into a strange building, and then when that person disappears, Sarah never wonders where that person went? Sarah’s Mom leaves her home alone, even though a girl has gone missing? Sarah’s not scared to be sitting in her home with no window coverings when it’s dark out? And, oh yeah, Sarah and Jasper don’t want to be caught sneaking around a corn field, yet they use lanterns? There’s also some sub-par acting (mostly from the men, although the woman who plays Sarah’s mom truly is awful).
Elsewhere extras include commentary with Hope and producer Vince Palomino; “The Road to Elsewhere,” an 11-minute featurette with cast and crew; six deleted/extended scenes; and a photo gallery. The film is presented in 1.78: 1 aspect ratio, with audio in 5.1 surround sound or 2.0 Dolby Digital, with both English SDH and Spanish subtitles. The film is rated R for “language, sexual content, violence/disturbing images, and some drug and alcohol use by teens,” and it has a 106-minute run time.
Elsewhere is an entertaining film, if you can get past the clichés. But it’s best rented, because I can’t imagine anyone would want to watch it more than once.
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