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With Halloween fast approaching, there is a feeling of mischief in the air as North East film-maker and horror enthusiast, Dean Midas releases his latest film, The Devil’s Stone.
Based in Crook in County Durham, the film gives a nod to an ancient myth that running around the Devil’s Stone 7 times will lead to summoning the Devil himself - but a warning to the wise, just make sure what you wish for.
Known for his gripping franchise featuring Rag Dolly and Eve Valentine, Dean’s latest production sees him unleash a new character more ruthless and sinister than the Devil himself…the notorious Sayer Hicks.
Having watched the film myself, I will say straight away that this is probably one of the best films Dean has given fans yet, and bearing in mind the film has only been out for a few days, already it has almost reached an impressive 10K views on YouTube and is still continuing to grow on a daily basis at a rapid rate as horror fans are introduced to the world of Sayer Hicks for the very first time.
So what can we expect from this film I hear you scream? The story follows 3 students Ava, Liam and Max and their teacher and Emma as they try and dig deeper into the history of the Hicks family. If only they realised what they were letting themselves in for, because once you dance with the Devil and unlock that door, there is no turning back. Wanting to find out more the students head to the Witham in Barnard Castle to see what findings they can uncover to help with their research.
Max and Liam on the other hand are more focused on fooling and around and causing their own mischief as they are more focused on not taking the myth of Sayer Hicks and the Devils Stone seriously and look ways to spook fellow student Ava. Tip number 2…when entering the lion’s lair don’t forget your manner, because any sign of disrespect then you better start running because Sayer Hicks is one person you don’t want to get on the wrong side of.
Before I am tempted to give away any more spoilers, I need to also highlight a few other things about The Devil’s Stone too and the lengths that Dean has gone to push the boundaries of his creativity.
For instance, as well as bringing back a couple of familiar faces and voices from previous films such as Jason Redman and Radio Presenter Emma Millen, we also get to see the brilliant performances of a new wave of actors as such as Eleanor Carter (Ava), Julie Meighan (Emma), Dylan Swinney (Liam) and Sam Phillipson (Max) and ofcourse we cannot forget the leading menace himself Sayer Hicks played by Wayne Thompson.
Even more exciting this production also sees involvement and collaboration of some very special guests playing a cameo role including actress Ellie Darcey-Alden known for her appearances in Harry Potter and Dr Who, and also actor Roger L. Jackson better known as the voice of Ghostface in the film franchise Scream.
So back to the film itself, with our three student’s roaming around a very empty and eerie Witham in search to see what they can uncover and find, sending a shiver down everyone’s spine (even mine as I am on the edge of my seat), its a good time as any for the man himself to come out to play.
Wearing a orange mask to hide his identity and armed with a blade, Sayer Hicks is ready to step out of the shadows and unlock his wrath as one by one he creeps up on all those unsuspecting victims. If you're looking for mercy, then you will be sadly disappointed because one swipe of the blade and your soul belongs to Sayer Hicks.
With a killer let loose and our victims dropping like flies - will anyone survive to keep the myth of Sayer Hicks and the Devil's Stone alive? Initial impressions of Sayer Hicks - think of Mike Myers, Rag Dolly, Eve Valentine and the ruthlessness of Lucifer himself rolled into one. Roll the dice if you dare before the fate of your soul is decided for you.
As I said at the beginning, just when you thought the brilliance of Dean Midas couldn’t get any better, dare I say it, this is probably one of the strongest films I have seen to date, which is a testimony to how this local filmmaker has this ability to give us films which give us the chills but are also the perfect way to prepare ourselves for the Halloween season.
WIth a gripping story line and a few extra plot twists, The Devil's Stone is available to watch now - the perfect way to prepare yourself for the Halloween Season so you best be alert, because Sayer Hicks is coming for you mwahahaha!
Article By Thushara Chandrasiri
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