Jeff Schiefelbein, the creative mind behind Sinister Pointe, is a sick man. In his many maniacal mazes, haunted houses, and horror events he has concocted endless ways to make visitors cringe. We have been shoved into claustrophobia tunnels, forced to cross creaking planks over foggy swamps, and we were even made to shove our hands down garbage disposals. You would think that he would have finally run out of ways to scare his guests. Not by a long shot.
This year, Sinister Pointe has moved to a shopping center just about one mile from its previous location and offers a chance to revisit a legendary childhood fear. Beyond the Mirror: A Bloody Mary Tale is an interactive haunted house experience that delivers Sinister Point’s trademark scares while drawing on an early childhood boogieman, or rather, lady.
The experience begins as we are led into a dilapidated home and guided to a dank, moldy bathroom and told to summon the titular monster. “Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary” Childhood fears come to life, the room quakes, the lights flutter, and we are drawn into the netherworld of this villainous vixen.
What follows is a surreal journey into a different plane filled with monsters of all shapes and sizes. However, they are not they ones you should be the most concerned with as Bloody Mary pursues you and your party through the entire experience in search of blood of course.
As always, designer Jeff Schiefelbein exhibits an uncanny knack for creative scares. The man knows how to press a button and make his visitors squirm. Groups are limited to only four people at a time. This allows the experience to be very personal and intimate. There are even moments in the attraction where you are totally alone, separated from one another.
Another thing worth mentioning are the actors that Schiefelbein finds to populate his nightmare. Each is a wonderful embodiment of fear-inducing fun. However, there are a few key actors of particular note. The first actress portraying Mary is tasked with selling the idea of entering another world and she does the job quite nicely. Next up are the creatures in the mirror room, with their menacing, silent presence that recalls a Clive Barker creation.
There are a few odd choices though. A locker room scene seems strangely out of place in a dreamlike world, as does the swamp scene. The entire experience plays out like an adolescent nightmare, most of which works exceedingly well. If you have ever seen the movie Dreamscape, then you have a good idea of what to expect.
If you have a chance we highly recommend checking the latest from Sinister Pointe, “Beyond the Mirror: A Bloody Mary Tale” It is fun, terrifying, and worth every penny if you are looking for a good scare.
Sinister Pointe tickets and information: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday – October 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, November 1st & 2nd.
A Scream pass is a “Front of the Line” ticket. It gives guests front of the line access to avoid a long wait time. If you arrive and find long lines, opt for a scream pass. You’ll be glad you did.