Split Rock (2026): Brooklyn Horror Film Festival

Directed by Ryan Glover, this cosmic horror film follows a group of geologists who discover an unusual anomaly buried deep within a remote landscape. As their investigation continues, strange occurrences begin to unfold, and Lauren (Clark Backo) finds herself increasingly drawn to an ancient stone that may hold something far beyond human understanding.

Visually, Split Rock is stunning. Shot on 16mm, the film makes excellent use of its landscape, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels almost alien. The score is another standout, doing a great job of establishing that sense of dread we'd expect. The practical effects, particularly when the film ventures into body horror territory, are also impressive and provide some memorable moments.

Unfortunately, while the film has all the ingredients for an engaging cosmic horror experience, it struggles to bring everything together. The pacing is a bit of a challenge, with extended shots that eventually begin to lose their impact rather than build tension. There's a lot of time spent establishing the atmosphere, but not nearly enough payoff to make the journey feel worthwhile. For a film dealing with something so ancient and incomprehensible, I wanted to feel a greater sense of dread and insignificance. Instead, the horror often feels much closer to the surface than the premise promises.

Still, Split Rock has some genuinely impressive filmmaking behind it. The visuals, score, and practical effects make it worth checking out, even if the story doesn't quite reach the heights it seems to be aiming for. It's a beautiful film that left me wanting a little more beneath the surface.