2020 is the subject of writer-director Joshua Sowden‘s new horror movie Extramundane complete with terrors both internal and external. Trevor (Brant Rotnem) has taken the job as the property manager at an apartment complex at the height of the pandemic. As he attempts to establish a reasonable amount of control over an uncontrollable situation, Trevor begins to uncover an insidious mystery that threatens his life and the lives of his tenants. Playing with literal and metaphorical messages, Sowden weaves a crackling tale that begs to entertain an audience.

The film opens, no spoiler alert here, as Trevor’s predecessor falls prey to a mysterious creature that resides in the basement utility room. We cut to well-meaning Trevor who is moving into his new apartment while speaking with his boss Mr. Gibson (Vinnie Coppola) on video chat. It seems that during the current rent freeze, tenants have been disappearing at night. Mr. Gibson demands a number of things from his new manager but is loathe to answer too many questions. That’s not to mention the supremely creepy maintenance man, Jerry (Craig Gellis). A former tenant, Jerry still returns to the property to perform upkeep and to skulk at pretty much everyone.

Trevor begins making the rounds of his property and first meets Bobby (Brock Jones). A costumed performer, Bobby’s employment interacting with tourists has all but dried up. We also meet the plucky tenant in unit 10, Jasmine (Cherie Corinne Rice) who benefits from strict rent control on top of rent forgiveness. Both Bobby and Jasmine share stories with Trevor of other tenants that have suddenly vanished. Trevor is worried but becomes downright concerned when he discovers a trickle of crimson liquid emanating from the utility room under the building.

7 Out Of 10