The usual kind of suburban indie horror. This one's set at Christmas time and follows the plight of a young woman, traumatised by violent events in her past, haunted by a creature that may or may not be imaginary. This tries very hard to scare but really doesn't; it feels more like a poorly-lit soap opera than anything else.

Siblings Ashley (a fine and affecting performance by Shenae Grimes-Beech) and Ben (a sturdy portrayal by Stephen Brodie) witness the brutal murders of their parents as children. Two decades later, a very troubled Ashley believes that a lethal supernatural creature called the Rake killed her parents and is coming after her next.

Director/co-writer Tony Walsh relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, ably crafts a creepy and unsettling mood, takes time to develop the characters, makes good use of the isolated woodland setting, and delivers a handy helping of bloody gore. The sound acting by the capable cast keeps this movie humming: Rachel Melvin as the sweet Nicole, Joey Bicicchi as the fed up Andrew, Darcy Wood as the perky Michelle, Joe Nunez as the rowdy Jeremy, Joe Mullen as the deranged Jacob Murphy, and Izabella as ill-fated mom Cassie. The monster looks really gnarly and frightening while the surprise grim ending packs a jolting punch. Both Tim Montijo's shivery score and Robert Patrick Stern's sharp widescreen cinematography are up to par. A worthwhile frightfest.

Quite spooky in parts - give it a go. There are a lot worse films out there !