Leave the World Behind (2023) Part 1 - Haunted Amusement Park

The Netflix movie Leave the World Benind, produced by Higher Ground Productions owned by President and Michelle Obama had been creating nquite a stir. Full of symbolism and Easter Eggs. I know,  if you're reading this,  you probably think I have my tin foil hat on,  but, really, there is a lot to unpack. Even after watching it a third time,  I keep finding more,  so, check back from time to time.  

Plot: A family vacation on Long Island is interrupted by two strangers bearing news of a blackout. As the threat grows, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world.

A link discovered in a QR code on the above map takes you to the website for Lake Shawnee Amusement Park. This note abandoned park is open for ghost tours and tickets can be purchased to visit the location. But why in this movie that is type with messages and symbolism would this place be so prominent? That's a great question and one I have yet to crack.

With it being privately owned and a small opperation, i would doubt that it has the finances to take part in a product placement ad. In fact, it wasn't an ad at all, since it was hidden in a QR code on a map. The state of West Virginia may have had it added, but again there are many other historical kandmarks that would make more sense.  So, let's look at the history. 

Technically, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park dates back to the 1920s, when in 1926 it opened its doors to its first visitors. However, Lake Shawnee has a history that spends generations and some of those may play into the legends that run rampant in this area.  

Built as a relaxation destination for early miners, proprietor Conley Snidow, Sr. Envisioned a vacation destination brimming with activity for the entire family.  It had everything from swimming areas,  rides,  to cabins.  Unfortunately,  this would not last,  and the park started to be plagued by strange accidents and deaths. This activity peaked in the 1950s and the shock locals began to lose interest, eventually firing the park to close in 1966.

After sitting dormant for decades, the park returned to life in the 80s with its signature ferris wheel and swings in tow. However,  this new life as short lived,  and the park shuttered after only three seasons due to rising insurance costs. It was one the parked closed that the owners made some incredible discoveries on the property that served to add to the lore telling the story of the original occupants, the Shawnee tribe, who seemed to vanish from the land in the 1700s. Included in the discovery was a mass grave,  with the remains of thousands of Native Americans that were laid to rest in the property. 

Of course,  the disturbance of these bones during the years of construction and activity on the property could have set the different owners on a path of despair.  Couple that with did of the mysterious deaths and the 1950s, you have a recipe for a haunted location. 

If not the specific location, what about the area.  Located in Mercer County, Lake Shawnee sits in the heart of Appalachia full of hunting and fishing (plus,  some cool cryptids), but really nothing more.  It is also in coal country,  an industry under attack by the Obama's and the majority of those on the Left. Again, making it a strange place to be featured in the movie (especially since the power grid is hacked and coal was a backbone of the industry for generations).

I really have no idea what the meaning is,  or if there is one,  but my gut tells me there is something here with this.  Maybe after more digging, I'll (or someone) will discover a reason,  until then,  I will keep looking.  Do you have any ideas? If so,  comment and let me know.  

Suspect Zero (2004)

After another busy week with homework, soccer, and softball, it is time to find something interesting to watch. After deciding to pass on the continuation of my Fringe marathon, I decided that I wanted to venture into the darker world of serial killers. My selection for the evening is the 2004 horror/thriller Suspect Zero.

Plot/ A mysterious serial killer is hunting other serial killers - and one FBI agent suspects there may be more to the vigilante than they imagine.

It had been some time since I last watched Suspect Zero, and I will say that time did in a few ways help. This serial killer based thriller does have some good moments, although it is far from great. This one has some decent pacing that works within the premise, an interesting storyline, some solid cinematography, and does boast a perfectly cast Ben Kingsley in a darker role. Unfortunately, the overall cast does lack chemistry, and the scripting is uneven, both flaws that help bring the overall feel down. In the end, this may not be one that I search out to rent or watch again, but it was an entertaining entry in the saturated serial killer/FBI genre. If you like that type of movie, check it out. If not, there is nothing new in here to make it memorable.  

Outcast (2010)

After needing a break from horror after House of Flesh Mannequins, it was time to get back into the saddle. Unfortunately, that had to wait until I finished my first late night as a teacher (including overtime – something I never got to enjoy before). It was a fun evening, where my 6th quarter students are starting to build a steampunk radio. Well, back to the horror. My selection was Outcast from 2010.

Plot/ It is a tale of Petronella (a Scottish/Romany girl) and Fergal (her mysterious Irish traveler boyfriend). As their doomed relationship plays out, a Beast stalks the estate, killing locals, working its way towards our protagonists.

This interesting film definitely took me by surprise. Sure, it is a low budget entry that does suffer from some of the normal flaws that plague those flicks, but definitely overcomes those small pitfalls, and is successful. The atmosphere is tremendous, the acting solid and the effects were better than expected for the budget. However, the intriguing and diverse storyline kept me interested, featuring a sound combination of dark arts, demons and witchcraft. Honestly, it all worked in a strange and gypsy-themed way. Yes, there was some pacing issues and some of it was a tad incoherent, but in the end, it was an entertaining flick that was worth watching. Check it out!

Necromentia (2009)

As a Steelers fan, I tried to watch end enjoy the Super Bowl, I just could not do it. It honestly felt like I was taking a trip into Hell, just miserable. With that feeling already permeating my mind, I decided to take a trip into the depths as well with my movie selection for the evening. I mean, how could I go wrong with a flick that says it is a trip into Hell complete with blood, guts, murder, necrophilia, and an OUIJA Board? Got me there… The movie I chose instead of the Super Bowl is Necromentia from 2009.

Plot/ A off-world look at the superstitious repercussions of tattooing an Ouija Board on your body. Hagen, who has a dead wife believes that he can revive her from the dead. Travis, a man who lost his brother and wants to join him in the after life. Morbius, a bartender who is betrayed by those he loves comes back from the dead to take revenge. And a strange man only known as Mr. Skinny protects the secrets of the Ouija Board and how the stories weave and affect each other.

As a horror fan, I already know that being drawn in by the writings on a DVD cover can be dangerous, but when I saw the words Hellraiser Meets Saw, count me as one that had his interests perked. What I found when I sat down was something I never expected, something dark and melodic with a similar feel to the Clive Barker masterpiece it was compared to. This anthology-based flick is definitely all horror, complete with solid effects, decent acting, disturbing surreal imagery and an in-depth plot that really makes one think (plus some great torturous and bloody images). Yes, there are flaws like the abrupt ending that leaves you somewhat unsatisfied, some cliché characterization and uneven pacing. However, those are easily overlooked within this semi-original trip into the depths of this netherworld revisionist Hell.  In the end, this is a great movie for fans of deep and dark horror, yes it has enough gore for gorehounds, but it is the disturbing story that takes the starring role, not just the blood and guts. Check this one out!