The Signal

The titular signal in this film is a strange transmission that’s broadcast on TV, over the radio and through cell phones. The signal quickly harvests homicidal tendencies in the citizens of the city Terminus, who begin to attack and kill anyone near them. Avoiding contact with the signal, a woman (Anessa Ramsey) and her boyfriend (Justin Welborn) must figure out a way to avoid all of the carnage around them. Inventive and creepy, this digitally shot shocker is an uneven but bold work that should appeal to indie film followers and horrormeisters who enjoy high gore scores. With segments helmed by three directors, the film has a homemade look that works perfectly for the film yet manages to avoid the herky-jerky camcorder feel of Cloverfield or The Blair Witch Project. The Signal’s concept also will remind horror fans of the Stephen King novel Cell and the John Carpenter film They Live.

Shelf Talk: Magnolia is promising radio, TV, print and online exposure for The Signal, and with the film’s recent limited theatrical release still fresh in viewers’ minds, the exposure can only help the title win its intended audience. Striking packaging featuring a weapon-toting mob and good reviews also should propel business.