Written and directed by Venita Ozols-Graham, co-written by lead actress Brigitte Graham, a young woman recently married to a wealthy older man unexpectedly becomes a widow and finds herself living alone in his mansion with two dangerously resentful teen-aged step-sons. She reaches out to an Ossan for help and finds it in a most unexpected way. Also starring: Dean Hermansen, Pappy Faulkner, Toy Lei and Keisuke Hoashi.

The Ossan kicks things off on strong footing with its opening, grand colours, a great score and an imposing visual that’s full of a mysterious atmosphere. It builds a feeling that’s reminiscent of beloved adventure films of the 1980s like Gremlins or The Goonies. Creating that edge of thriller while existing in a mostly family friendly style tone. You can also feel the influence of Everything Everywhere All At Once as the film progresses, there’s a blend of different motivations at work that create something that’s modern yet nostalgic. The ratio choice is interesting, pushing the cinematic edge further, helping to add some extra weight and tension.

You can very quickly relate to the plight of Alexis (Brigitte Graham), left as the only guardian for two step-sons who have lovely personalities, reminiscent of those who soon after become rapists or mass murderers. The writing does not have to work hard to make them detestable, entitled and despicable. Therein brings a touch of horror, their unhinged potential and the fear Alexis lives with. After that, it’s hard to talk about the writing without spoiling The Ossan but it progresses well; there’s a brief moment where it maybe doesn’t feel like its leaning hard enough on its genres but the final shot makes up for that. Although it is maybe still missing that biting or bigger sadistic edge to elevate it further.

The performances are all right where they need to be, of course playing the step-sons Brandon (Dean Hermansen) and Cole (Pappy Faulkner) is a simple exercise in portraying awful people. Toy Lei only gets a brief role but she makes a kind, resilient and patient impression. Keisuke Hoashi brings a wise presence, he has a relentlessly unphased appearance but there’s also a mischievous side to him. While Brigitte Graham leads the charge with a lot of vulnerability but helps to keep things on that adventurous note, not becoming overtly emotional. She gives the impression that Alexis feels weak in that moment but is not a weak character. Especially in portraying the type of person who’s going to be endlessly judged but keeps her chin up.

The Ossan is a story of a difficult problem with a satisfyingly unusual solution. It’s a good concept and it’s well executed, Venita Ozols-Graham’s direction is strong and the writing gives a great adventure feel with a horror, thriller edge. There’s an excellent cast at work, it’s paced out well, the progression could maybe use a couple more layers or an expansion of the comedy to push it further but it’s still plenty entertaining either way.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

Celebrating its World Premiere at Dances with Films on June 25