Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire, directed and written by Stuart Ortiz, known for projects like Grave Encounters 1 & 2 and Extraterrestrial, takes a dark turn with its true crime documentary approach to horror.
The film follows two detectives, played by Peter Zizzo and Terri Apple, as they delve into the chilling murder spree of a serial killer dubbed “Mr. Shiny,” whose gruesome crimes haunted San Bernardino County from the early 1990s to the early 2000s. The narrative unfolds as a grim documentary, featuring the detectives sharing insights and experiences while grappling with the elusive nature of the killer.
Stuart Ortiz, part of The Vicious Brothers, expresses his fascination with merging the realms of fact and fiction. He explains that the concept of approaching a horror narrative like a true crime documentary led him to focus on the chilling figure of a serial killer. “It felt natural to delve into who this person is, their motivations, and their background, taking the story into an otherworldly direction,” he remarks.
A significant aspect of the film’s impact lies in Zizzo and Apple’s authentic performances. Zizzo shared that his passion for true crime inspired his portrayal of Detective Joe Kirby, incorporating subtleties and mannerisms learned from real-life detectives. He explains how he engaged with a retired homicide detective, which helped him portray the weight of horrific experiences internally.
Terri Apple felt fulfilled in her role as Detective Lexi Taylor, stating her love for the character and the opportunity to explore a detective’s psyche. She appreciates the writing and asserts that the character’s thoughts and characteristics resonated with her, even if they differ in some ways.
Ortiz is unflinching in his approach, drawing comparisons to other intense horror narratives like The Poughkeepsie Tapes. He seeks to amplify the horror within the documentary format, which traditionally provides a sense of safety for the audience while recounting real-life events. Ortiz believes this backdrop allows for a more potent exploration of horror without crossing into distastefulness.
He emphasizes that creating an authentic true crime documentary was crucial, avoiding satire or farce to maintain a sense of realism. The gritty reality depicted in the film sets it apart from typically stylized horror narratives.
While details of the plot are kept under wraps, Zizzo hints at a compelling moment during the credits that may lead to further revelations. Ortiz hints at the possibility of a more extensive narrative universe, suggesting that Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire is merely the beginning of a larger story.