The Skeptic is an American suspense thriller film written and directed by Tennyson Bardwell. Starring Tim Daly, Zoe Saldana, and Tom Arnold, and featuring Robert Prosky and Edward Herrmann, it depicts the story of an attorney who inherits a seemingly haunted house, though he does not believe in the supernatural.
Written in the 1980s, the film was shot in upstate New York from late 2005 through 2006. Completed in 2008, it was screened at the Cannes Film Festival before being purchased by IFC Films for airing on their video on demand channel as well as a limited theatrical release. The film received poor reviews and was criticized for its lack of suspense, poor dialogue, and for being reminiscent of 1970s television horror films.
About the Story
A police officer responds to a 911 call that came from a large home, upon his investigation he comes across an old woman who had apparently died of fright, holding a set of rosary beads. Bryan Beckett (Tim Daly) is an overly analytical lawyer, whose lack of true emotion has caused a rift in his marriage. When he gets word that his old aunt had died, he assumes he inherits her home as a result of being her remaining kin. He makes it clear he does not believe in life after death, or many other superstitions and treats her death and funeral like everyday events.
Read the Full Production Notes
The Skeptic
Starring: Tim Daly, Tom Arnold, Zoe Saldana, Andrea Roth, Edward Herrmann
Directed by: Tennyson Bardwell
Screenplay by: Tennyson Bardwell
Release Date: May 1st, 2009
MPAA Rating: None.
Studio: IFC Films
Box Office Totals
Domestic: $6,671 (100.0%)
Foreign: —
Total: $6,671 (Worldwide)