No matter how you explain the plot line, The Guardian sounds more ludicrous than it ends up being.
When The Guardian was released in 1990, the studio’s marketing department made sure that everyone knew that William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist, was behind the camera. Even the opening credits of the movie use the same typeface (or one that’s very similar) as the iconic 1973 horror classic. While that may be the case, Mr. Friedkin wasn’t working a script of the same caliber. And, ultimately, the director can only do so much.
The Guardian tells the story of new parents, Phil and Kate Sterling (Dwier Brown and Carey Lowell), who have recently moved to California for Phil’s new job. Needing someone to take care of their newborn son, Jake, while they work, the couple seeks to hire a nanny. Into their lives walks Camilla (Jenny Seagrove,) an attractive English woman who takes to Jake immediately. She seems perfect for the job. What the Sterlings don’t know is that, despite her caring exterior and natural beauty, Camilla is a Druid tree worshiper who wants to sacrifice little Jake to an evil tree in their backyard.
No matter how you explain the plot line, The Guardian sounds more ludicrous than it ends up being. Friedkin and cinematographer John A. Alonzo (Chinatown, Scarface) serve up strong visuals despite an obviously limited budget. Let’s be honest, making a movie about an evil tree is going to require some strong effects work or the audience isn’t going to buy the concept. (Unless, it’s a comedy, which this is most certainly not.) But the tree effects are the least problematic thing about this movie. In fact, they’re one of the highlights.
Despite being released in 1990, The Guardian feels like it’s from the 80s. Much to the delight of gorehounds, the movie features surprisingly copious amounts of arterial spray. There’s plenty of nudity as well. And, you might detect an Evil Dead undercurrent in some of the visuals. That could be the result of Sam Raimi’s early involvement in the project as a director. (He bowed out to work on Darkman.)
Jenny Seagrove helps sell the role of Camilla with her warm personality and ability to effortlessly deliver an ice cold stare. Dwier Brown and Carey Lowell are serviceable as the new parents. Saturday Night Live alum Brad Hall seems a bit miscast as the Sterlings’ architect neighbor who falls for Camilla. But, overall, the cast works. (It is a bit jarring seeing Miguel Ferrer playing a relatively nice guy after seeing him play such a sleazeball in RoboCop though.)
It’s an odd little movie with a big name director making his return to horror. But, in its own weird way, it’s kind of endearing and fun. Just don’t expect to be able to explain it to anyone with a straight face afterwards.
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
