Celebrated Halifax filmmaker Michael Melski returns to the fold with this bone-chilling genre fare.

The Child Remains draws inspiration from horror greats like Rosemary’s Baby — while still providing a bleak canvas of creativity on its own.

Based on the Butterbox Baby scandal of East Chester, the film focuses on an expectant couple who visit a quiet B&B, only to realize there are secrets buried at the helm of the home.

Melski has been a prolific Canadian talent for some time — from Growing Op to documentary Perfume War — and he continues his streak with this frightening entry.

Xavier Dolan faithful Suzanne Clément is incredible here as an investigative journalist trying to discover the truth, and national treasure Allan Hawco sheds his skin to become a loathesome character.

But the real surprise here is Trailer Park Boys alum Shelley Thompson, who gives a haunting performance as the innkeeper.

It’s a supernatural horror film done right, and that’s tough to find these days.

4/5 Stars