Tenants Summary and Review - A Story on Every Floor

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After waking up in the basement of an unfamiliar apartment building, Joni begins searching for her missing sister, Emily. Along the way, various tenants warn her that she isn’t supposed to be there, and she’s pursued by a menacing, shadowy figure. Her curious arrival — and the search that follows — takes her through the building floor by floor, with each level introducing a new tenant and a new horror. As she ascends, she’s exposed to the frailties, fears, and insecurities of its inhabitants.

A Wraparound Journey

Tenants is a horror anthology that uses Joni’s journey as a wraparound narrative, linking seven stories about people undone by their personal demons. The segments vary in tone, mixing emotional drama, dark comedy, and supernatural elements.

Among them are “Acting Rash,” in which a struggling actress’s vanity takes a grotesque turn; “Hoarder,” centred on grief and self-imprisonment; “Do You Need Something,” a twisted, funny tale of domestic irritation between roommates that goes terribly wrong; “Laundry Day,” a more emotional piece touching on loss to chilling effect; “The Photograph,” a dark ghost story about dangerous obsession; “Nah,” a brief but effective moment of levity; and a final reckoning segment where Joni faces her own vulnerability.

The film’s wraparound is one of its strengths; connecting the episodes with purpose, giving the impression of interconnected nightmares rather than a series of short films stitched together.

A Great Deal From a Low Budget

For a low-budget production, Tenants makes good use of its resources. The film is generally well shot with smart editing giving the anthology a stylish tone. Joni’s interactions with each tenant lead into their stories in a way that feels natural, avoiding abrupt shifts from one to the other and maintaining a smooth narrative flow.

The practical effects are handled well, with makeup and creature designs that add character without relying heavily on digital tools. The film also injects a shot of humour here and there. Do You Need Something? is a notable example, offering something to lift the weight of the emotional drama, although it seems a little out of place when compared to the other segments.

What stands out most is the film’s interest in its characters. Rather than treating each story as an opportunity for shock value, Tenants focuses on the emotional and psychological issues driving its characters’ behaviour. Themes of denial, avoidance and envy run through the anthology, with an overarching theme of acceptance binding the whole thing together, giving it a more reflective tone than expected.

The score complements the film well. It’s understated and atmospheric, providing a consistent tone without drawing attention to itself. Combined with steady pacing and thoughtful transitions, Tenants comes across as a project made by filmmakers who, recognising the limitations, shaped the material in a way that keeps the whole piece coherent.

Emphasis on Tone and Theme

Despite its strengths, Tenants isn’t especially frightening. It’s often eerie and occasionally unsettling, but the emphasis is more on tone and theme than on outright scares. A few segments suffer from uneven acting and dialogue, which weakens the impact it's is aiming for.

While "Do You Need Something" is funny and memorable, its comedic tone sits a little outside of an otherwise introspective collection. Visually, the film can feel a bit flat in places — the lighting and colour palette lack the depth that might have elevated certain sequences.

Tenants is a stronger anthology than its small budget might suggest. It has its flaws, but the consistent structure, considered editing, and emphasis on character give it a clear identity. By focusing on personal vulnerabilities rather than pure scares, it produces something modest but memorable. It’s a film made with enough purpose and heart to make it stand out.

3/5

Joni: Mary O’Neil 
Amber: Christa Collins
Jude: Myles Cranford
Leonard: Douglas Vermeeren 
Sara: Tara Erickson 
Belinda: Clarke Wolfe 
Emily: Kathryne Isabelle Easton
The Seeker: Rib Hillis 
Directors:
Jonathan Louis Lewis
Sean Mesler 
Blake Reigle 
Buz Wallick 
Writers:
Sean Mesler 
Mary O’Neil 
Buz Wallick 

    Year of release: 2024 
    Runtime: ~94 minutes 


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