Horror Movie Review: Anything for Jackson (2020)

Anything for Jackson is a Canadian horror film that was directed by Justin G. Dyck, releasing in 2020.

Audrey and Dr. Henry convert to Satanism and join a local cult community group after the tragic, accidental death of their beloved grandson, Jackson. Henry spent some time travelling in the hopes of finding a method to bring Jackson back. He pays a large sum of money for a demonic book of spells. Within it are instructions on a particular ritual that would require a host. Said host, must be that of an unborn child within a pregnant mother. Being a Doctor makes it all too easy for Henry to locate the perfect candidate.

Becker is shocked when Henry informs her that she’s pregnant. She’s not with the father and has no close friends or relatives. This makes her ideal for what Henry and Audrey plan to do. They soon kidnap Becker and keep her prisoner in an upstairs bedroom. The house is huge so Becker’s cries for help cannot be heard from the outside.

The ritual will take several days to complete with a number of stages involved. Audrey becomes sympathetic towards Becker, much to the disapproval of Henry. The time comes to have Jackson’s spirit enter the unborn foetus within Becker’s womb. However, opening a portal to purgatory allows a number of other vengeful spirits to enter the realm. These entities begin to terrorize the house and torment Becker. At the same time, Audrey and Henry become anxious about whether or not the spirit within Becker is that of Jackson or something else entirely.

I didn’t have super high expectations going in to watching Anything for Jackson which I think helped my overall enjoyment of the film. Turns out, it’s actually a damn good horror film. I don’t often feel creeped out by horror movies these days but there are some fantastically disturbing moments. The ghosts that invade the house are genuinely terrifying. There’s an amazing scene involving one of them flossing their bloodied and torn mouth as teeth fall to the ground, its good shit.

Take note other horror films, this is how you take what is clearly a modest budget and utilise it expertly. Other than a few minor scenes, Anything for Jackson takes place in a singular location. It puts the money where it matters most and that is the practical effects, it pays off big time.

Additionally, I really liked the idea for the narrative and how it plays out through flashbacks. I really felt for the Walsh’s even though what they are doing is wrong. You can tell how torn and conflicted they feel but Anything for Jackson eh? This is a good time to highlight the acting performances which are great throughout. There are subtle moments of emotion between the Walsh’s with Becker and it’s very effective.

I haven’t highlighted it up to this point but it needs to be noted that this film has its tongue planted firmly in its cheek. The subject matter is something you’d usually expect to be extremely dark and serious. However, this film manages to add a level of humour due to the matter of fact way some of its dialogue is delivered. I didn’t expect to find myself laughing as much as did. If all of this wasn’t enough, I’d feel bad for not mentioning that the film has some awesome imagery as well.

Finally, I can’t say I was the biggest fan of the extremely abrupt ending but there’s a certain level of ambiguity there which raises some interesting possibilities. Truthfully, I was enjoying myself so much I just didn’t want it to end.