The packaging on Tamara suggests a Final Destination connection; it resides with writer Jeffrey Reddick, who originated the characters and story for that successful horror series. Usually when I see a promo line like that I’m skeptical- ‘from the person/people who brought you ‘Movie X’ and it turns out the key grip or obscure executive producer is the only link to ‘Movie X’. The new film here needs some eyegrabber since it lacks big names. When you lack names, get the credit sheet. Indeed, helmer Jeremy Haft hasn’t directed anything I’m familiar with. Until now. After watching this film twice – the second time for the commentary- I was curious. Why is it Lion’s Gate didn’t push this out in theatres in 2005 a little more? The answer is right in front of me the second time around.

According to the commentary (a rather good and insightful one) by Reddick and Haft, they filmed the horror-thriller in Canada. Now I know LGF is a Canadian distributor, but considering some of the fine low budget thrillers and horror films made in the Great White North in the past five years that bypass theatres in the States, let me tell you, I’m not surprised anymore. It seems most of the good horror films are dumped and filed away; the only fare offered on big screens is remakes and horror mixed with a courtroom drama. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing overall, but I think if audiences had a chance to see “Tamara’ it would have had a better fate. One of the great things about ‘Tamara’ is that its themes are very Stephen King in nature; the high school class reject comes across power, and uses that power to lay what ever payback is required, and to aquire any previous goal or desire previously unforfilled. It did not surprise me the filmmakers turned to King’s work -as well as Brian DePalma’s film version- for a little inspiration; what did surprise me was hell well the film was not only executed, but how good the actors were as well. In Jenna Dewan’s case, however, it isn’t good. It’s great. I mean it is great.

This gal has to play a lead part that has two personalities: the shy, ‘freak’ geek who is a great writer but unpopular because of the journalistic quality of her work (gets Tamara in trouble with the Jocks) and who has a crush on her English teacher, and she practices witchcraft on the side. Then, after some of her peers humilate her (and then some), Tamara comes back as a femme fatale with supernatual gifts of hypnotism and power of suggestion. She doesn’t knock off troublemakers slasher style, instead, she toys with them. Humilates them. She can get someone to do killing for her, kill themselves, bite thier fingernails, or get two straight guys doing something they might not otherwise do. If that wasn’t enough, she’s stalking the teacher and his wife. Tamara is hot and she doesn’t play nice. Don’t worry, the cover art doesn’t fib; she gets a little axe action in. Dewan will be remembered on a cult film circuit for awhile due to this film, but I suspect in the years to come an audience will see more of her, aside from a brief part from the recent ‘Take The Lead’ (2006).

The best part about the structure of ‘Tamara’ is that you can’t predict who’s next on her (s)hit list, and even if you could, they don’t go down easy, much less the way you expect. The film also prides itself on not having over the top gore, although one well done puke shot is horrifing just for the thought behind it, and there is another scene which requires a stronger stomach. Still, for a horror-thriller that pretty much went right to video shelves in the states, Haft’s film is a guily pleasure and a golden nugget.

We’ll be hearing from him again, too.

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Directed by Jeremy Haft
Starring Jenna Dewan, Katie Stuart and Matthew Marsden

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