From a script to the editor’s timeline, such tools allow monster movies some measure of gory satisfaction. By contrast, Stacy Title’s The Bye Bye Man works because of what’s not shown or said. Her ability to celebrate imagination via audience participation defines this genre title. Meanwhile, The Newton Brothers soundtrack echoes rather than booms; pacing remains consistent with the camera sliding between tripod and handheld views effortlessly.

A few points on the story: Apparently the name ‘Bye Bye Man’ denotes more than the average urban legend. Anybody within earshot is fair game. The film opens with a domestic massacre that doesn’t exclude the neighbours. This starry point will be touched upon again. Shooting forward a few decades, and three friends take up lodgings in a large house. There’s Elliot (Douglas Smith) madly in love with Sasha (Cressida Bonas). Their plus one happens to be best friend John (Lucien Laviscount). These people won’t be the same by the finale. Why? See the film for details.

Gosh, the acting proves very accomplished here. Stepping up, Douglas Smith charts a specific course of complex, emotional development. From initial trepidation to fears that events are spiralling out of his control, every beat plays spontaneously. Likewise, the mystic brunette Kim played by Jenna Kanell doesn’t charm us through a sexy baby voice. Her firm tonalities make one séance particularly imaginative, not to mention creepy. Mark her name down with promise.

I enjoyed The Bye Bye Man enormously, so it's time for a poem.

Whatever the name portends, don’t say it.

Madness craves a fit.

Thinking of The Bye Bye Man?

Spidery trees kick the can.

His presence always felt, seldom seen.

Ideas keep us keen.

With suspense, jeopardy and humour,

I wasn’t left in a stupor.

What you say can spread.

Hard to remove from head.

A dangerous space to unlock

like being trapped inside a block.

Truth is: coins signal his presence

appearing to each as grim essence.

Performances believable and reactive.

Logic leads somewhere productive.

A gesture that old can feel new.

Nodding to famous scenes out of the blue.

Waiting to see what follows,

more than curiosity allows.

2017 off to somewhere nice --

as delicious as korma with rice.

Bullets won’t make a difference

Time for the new defence.

The Bye Bye Man promises more

going past surfaces to humanly core.

Surprises? I felt some too.

Horror not always about ‘Boo!’

Musically, the Newton Brothers struck deep

following what our characters reap.

Out in the world, a high-concept still exists,

proving hard to resist.

If there’s more like this one,

the genre might not be done.

(Released by STX Entertainment and rated "PG-13" for terror, horror violence, bloody images, sexual content, thematic elements, partial nudity, some language and teen drinking.)