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I must say that indie horror films are slowly forcing me to reconsider my generally negative opinion of independent cinema!  First, there was GRAVE ENCOUNTERS, one of the best horror movies I have ever seen in my life, and tonight, I watched ABSENTIA -  a remarkable film shot on a $70,000 budget that delivered some of the most genuine chills I have ever experienced!

Here is the backstory:
Seven years ago, Daniel Walker (last name may be wrong on this characted; IMDB gave first names only) disappeared without a trace after stepping out one evening.  His wife Tricia faithfully put out posters and offered rewards until finally she despaired of his life.  As she prepares to have him officially declared dead, her sister Callie shows up to help her get through the whole process - a process complicated by the fact that Tricia has fallen in love with the detective who investigated the case, and is eight months pregnant with his child.  Tricia tries to balance her turbulent emotions with Buddhist meditation, while Callie is a recent convert to Christianity (Her nightly prayer is one I can identify with - "Lord, help me get my sh## together, in Jesus' name, Amen!").

But as Tricia goes through the legal motions, she begins seeing Daniel - lonely and tormented at first, then angry, then desperately trying to communicate.  Her psychologist assures her that they are "lucid dreams" and nothing more.  But then, the day the certificate arrives in the mail and she prepares to go out on a real, actual date with her detective lover, Daniel appears in the street in front of her house . .  . emaciated, amnesiac, and haunted by some awful ordeal - but tangible and real!

Where has he been?  Why could no one but Tricia see him at first?  And how is his disappearance linked to the creepy pedestrian tunnel that goes under the highway near his house - where strange things seem to have a knack for happening?

This one has LOTS of twists and turns, and a couple of honest to gosh jump moments.  Tense, cerebral, and compelling, this little horror film is nothing short of brilliant.  You MUST see this movie!!!!!

I noticed this one in the new releases and thought it sounded interesting. I'll have to bump it up in my queue.

Sounds really interesting, I'll have to check it out sometime.  Thanks for the tip Indy.

I enjoyed this one quite a bit.

I think in this movie's case, the low budget really helped it. Instead of shooting for big FX shots, which they would not have been able to afford, they get to step back and focus on the development of the characters. By focusing on how the characters react to the horrible fact of the disappearance, while only being dimly aware of the sinister truth beneath, the movie becomes much better than what could have been an average slash-em-up.

I didn't think it was perfect. Some of the direction and action could really use some polishing up. There's also some really clumsily done exposition at points. However, it is well worth checking out by anybody looking for a good atmospheric horror film. I don't even have to give it extra points for its low-budget, it stands on its own.

4 of 5 stars.

Another instance of talent trumping budget as several scenes that would involve jump scares if produced by people with less talent did achieve quite effective atmosphere.

Its quite emotional at times; I forgot how scary it could be at times.

Despite not being related to the Cthulhu mythos, its probably a competitor for closest to an accurate Lovecraft adaption.

I probably wouldn't have ever watched it if you hadn't suggested it, thanks.

I'd kinda like to re-watch this one myself.

I just finished watching it. A decent (but flawed) effort. I thought the premise was very good and it definitely has some genuinely creepy moments. I applaud the low budget attempts at creating an atmosphere of unease, but the film didn't quite grab me the way it should. Always nice to see an American horror film that doesn't rely on cheap jump scares, cgi, or excessive gore, but honestly I think the film could've been a wee bit better than it was. Still, I'd give it a solid 3/5.

I'd give it a 4 out of 5 myself, but different strokes for different folks, I suppose.