Epic Pictures’ specialty horror label, DREAD, presents Beezel, the tale of a sinister secret hiding beneath the floors of a cursed New England home. Beezel is now available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand (VOD).
Beezel was written by horror filmmaking duo Social House Films, composed of writer/director Aaron Fradkin and writer/star Victoria Fratz Fradkin. The duo’s previous project, The Ballerina, amassed over 19 million views on YouTube and was featured in Season 7 of Bloody Bites TV. Social House Films was also highlighted as one of the leading independent horror filmmakers in GQ’s article “The Most Exciting Horror Filmmaking is Happening on YouTube.”
Horror fans have been anxiously awaiting Social House Film’s second feature, BEEZEL. The first teaser exclusively debuted on Film Updates earlier this year and created lots of buzz with horror fans and top genre horror outlets.
“I’m really excited for audiences to experience Beezel. Aaron and Victoria have truly outdone themselves, creating something that will terrify, thrill, and haunt audiences long after the credits roll. I can’t wait to see people on the edge of their seats.” says Epic Pictures/Dread’s VP of US Distribution and Creative, Yulissa Morales.
“Beezel has a darkness that sinks you deep into a terrified trance from the very first scene and doesn’t let go,” says writer/director Aaron Fradkin. Writer/star Victoria Fratz Fradkin notes, “It’s the kind of film you won’t be able to stop thinking about even when it’s done.”
The official synopsis for the film reads: Over six tumultuous decades, three unwitting guests of a cursed New England home stumble upon a sinister secret dwelling beneath its floors – an eternal witch with an insatiable thirst for the souls of the living.
BEEZEL Review
Beezel, the latest indie horror from Social House Films, delivers a sinister and gripping tale that combines psychological tension with supernatural terror. Directed by Aaron Fradkin and co-written by Victoria Fratz Fradkin, this film taps into the eerie isolation of a cursed New England home where a malevolent force lurks beneath the floors. Following the success of their viral project, The Ballerina, the Fradkins have once again demonstrated their mastery of blending indie horror with mainstream appeal.
The plot unfolds over six decades, intertwining the stories of three different individuals who fall victim to the same house’s dark history. The key to Beezel’s success is the careful build-up of tension. From the first scene, the film immerses viewers in a deeply unsettling atmosphere, creating a sense of dread that escalates with each new revelation. Fradkin’s direction is tight, using a confined setting to evoke claustrophobia, while the supernatural entity at the heart of the film, an ancient witch craving souls, provides a horrifying focal point.
The performances add layers of realism to the film, particularly from LeJon Woods, whose portrayal of a character trapped in the house’s curse is both haunting and empathetic. Bob Gallagher and Victoria Fratz Fradkin also deliver standout performances, bringing complexity to their characters as they grapple with the malevolent presence that invades their lives.
Beezel benefits from its strong visual style and well-crafted practical effects, which help elevate the sense of terror without overwhelming the viewer with excessive gore. The film also draws on a rich New England gothic tradition, blending the historical weight of witchcraft lore with modern psychological horror.
While Beezel is not without its indie quirks—at times, the pacing can feel uneven, and specific plot points may seem familiar to genre veterans—it nonetheless distinguishes itself with its moody, atmospheric storytelling and well-rounded performances. Fans of horror films that prioritize psychological thrills over jump scares will appreciate how the Fradkins craft a slow-burn narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
In short, Beezel is a chilling and memorable entry into the indie horror scene. With its limited theatrical release on September 20 and availability on VOD starting September 24, it’s sure to create buzz among horror fans eager for a fresh, eerie tale. If you’re searching for a film that combines supernatural elements with strong emotional storytelling, BEEZEL will not disappoint.