Director Travis Betz, if anything, tries for originality and for the most part achieves it. Though “Lo” strives for simplicity and a downbeat nature, it’s a rather spectacular feat to comprise an entire film and story, as well as a horrific world, around one setting and one room only. Comprised very much like a stage play, “Lo” begins as a creepy trip in to the supernatural, and ends as a tragic love tale. “Lo” is about a man who simply can’t let his loved one go, and the trip he takes to ensure that he can re-claim the one he lost a long time ago.
Travis Betz apparently challenged himself to direct the film in as limited amount of scenery and setting as possible, and with the low budget, it works wonders. The money saved on the scenery is implemented in the amazing special effects and monster effects, and I loved how the movie is able to suck us in to this hellish dimension by just introducing monsters alone. The appearance of Lo is grotesque and horrific and with main character Justin sitting blanketed in pitch darkness, you never know what may pop out of the shadows at any time. Lo is a unique and charming demon, as they all are, and presents Justin with many obstacles and ponderous questions when Justin demands his love back.
After being confronted by a demon who slashed his chest and kidnapped his beloved April, Justin devoted his time to find her, and Lo is Justin’s servant, tasked with finding her and bringing her to Justin. The interplay is marvelous between the performers on film, as actor Jeremiah Birkett is a force of nature who is able to transcend the trappings of the make up and prosthetics and give Lo a charisma that makes him likable but despicable. Most of what occurs is told through more down to Earth effects, and unique flashbacks, as Justin is given a trial of re-discovering his relationship and eventually discovering something unique about his love April.
“Lo” is not always a home run as the musical numbers are forgettable, and the tone bipolar ranging from horror, to fantasy, to comedy with a distracting repetition, but Travis Betz concocts a gothic and artistic genre film that tells a unique story and ends up being a rather original horror themed love tale. Director Travis Betz offers horror fans a peculiar and experimental horror film about love gained, love lost, and the demons that can stand in your way. “Lo” is an odd twist on Faust, and an entertaining indie film that impresses with its bare essential filmmaking.