The Unhealer is headed to streaming this month, bringing the gore and revenge for our high schooler tormented by his bulllies. When the bullied teenager gains the means to fight back after a botched faith healing bestows supernatural, shamanistic powers upon him, the tables are turned. When his lifelong tormentors pull a prank that causes the death of someone he loves, the teen uses his newfound abilities for revenge and goes on a bloody rampage to settle the score. This dark horror tale features performances from genre favorites Adam Beach (Suicide Squad), Branscombe Richmond (Hard To Kill), Natasha Henstridge (Species), and Lance Henriksen (Aliens).
Director Martin Guigui speaking of the project, explained, “I became instantly inspired to make The Unhealer because of the 'reverse pain' powers to fight evil. The misuse of power and revenge on bullies touches personal experiences I had growing up as a kid, and The Unhealer emotional journey cinematically coveys this powerful anti-bully message. The cinematographer, Massimo Zeri, and I chose to shoot the film with a large canvas theatrical eye so that the audience could travel the experience with the lead character Kelly, as if they were living it through his eyes and heart. I gravitate towards telling stories that are self-contained, and even though The Unhealer scope through the lens has expansive locations and visual effects, the intimacy of the psychological aspects of the story is felt internally via handheld close-ups through wide angle lenses. We were fortunate to have a talented and fearless cast, who overcame the long scorching days of temperatures in the Arizona desert hovering 121 degrees, which organically played into the intensity of the story arc and heartfelt cast performances. Aside from the entertainment factor, I feel the film carries a relevant positive message that resonates in a timeless way, which is ultimately fulfilling to this filmmaker.”
Producers Shawn Harris and Cristi Harris describe the film, saying, "The Unhealer offers a fresh new spin to the popular horror movie scenario of getting revenge on one's bullies. Its protagonist obtains a superpower of reflecting violence back on his aggressor, so the outcomes of the bullies are determined by their own actions -- a kind of poetic justice."
The Unhealer marks the debut feature for filmmakers and siblings Shawn Harris and Cristi Harris, and second film for Tony Hannagan. "Our production plan was to hire a director and production team with experience to help us learn the process and create a quality product with the best chance of success. First, we hired the talented cinematographer and friend, Massimo Zeri, who suggested director Martin Guigui. Martin helmed a favorite horror film of ours, Beneath the Darkness with Dennis Quaid. After meeting with the affable Martin, we knew he was our captain. Martin introduced us to producer Galen Walker, of the Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot as well as numerous budgeted films like ours. Galen brought his experience and energy along with his co-producing partners Corbin Timbrook and Larry McLean. They formed a stellar crew which would turn out to be a great production team for principal photography.
"We stayed involved and in control of the film throughout the process, from script development to principal photography, through editing, VFX and sound design, through QC and all the way to the final printmaster. It has been a pleasure working with our exceptional director, skilled producers, hardworking crew, and wonderful actors to create what we are proud to call The Unhealer."
The blood-splattered supernatural thriller, a twist on the superhero's coming-of-age story, will be available on Roku and additional platforms this month. It is currently available on Blu-ray, DVD and a number of digital and cable platforms, including iTunes, Amazon Video, Vudu, Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox.