Special effects in independent films can go two ways.

One option is to try too hard and end up with painfully clumsy scenes reminiscent of the old 1960s "Star Trek" special effects. That would be bad.

But some films instead embrace the low-budget restrictions and use the most simple and effective effects at their disposal - atmosphere, shadows and elegant editing. That's what made the low-budget thrill-fest "The Blair Witch Project" such a hit.

Happily, the locally produced movie "Imprint" went the second route, producing edge-of-your-seat suspense reminiscent of an Alfred Hitchcock film.

Weaving Native American mythology throughout the engaging storyline, "Imprint" is fresh, original and expertly constructed, a contemporary drama with compelling characters and fascinating twists.

Shayla Stonefeather, played by Tonantzin Carmelo, is a Denver lawyer who successfully prosecuted a Lakota youth, resulting in a murder conviction.

Then she returns to visit her family on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where she begins to see surprising and terrifying visions and hear unexplained sounds.

The young man she prosecuted has relatives in Kyle, so are these events related to the case? Or does it have something to do with her brother Nathan's mysterious disappearance two years ago?

There are few things spookier than a creaking floor, a footstep on a stair or an unexplained shadow, and "Imprint" uses these to full effect.

Reopening her heart to her own culture, and opening her senses to the mysterious visions, Stonefeather finally takes the advice of an elder and follows the mystery to its source. This reveals a spine-tingling plot twist that neither I nor anybody I talked to anticipated. It was every bit as shocking as the one in "The Sixth Sense."

With a couple good laughs, some romance and a final scene as satisfying as any movie fan could wish for, "Imprint" is multi-layered and smart, and I found it even better the second time around when I returned for another viewing the next day.

Already knowing the final revelation didn't ruin it; in fact, that gave me time to focus on the other elements.

The technical aspects are so superb it often didn't feel like a local film - we almost might forget it is a South Dakota production, but for the constant reminders by scenery. South Dakota's landscapes and inhabitants are portrayed tenderly, with sweeping cinematography enhanced by Michael Linn's original score.

There are a few weak moments, and at the beginning of the film the close-ups seem too tight and too frequent, but for the most part - and especially as the plot progresses - "Imprint" looks good, sounds good and follows through on every promise.

The film credits read like a who's who of regional talent. First-time director Michael Linn also co-wrote the screenplay with Keith Davenport. Marc Linn was assistant director, and Chris Eyre and Linn Productions produced the movie.

"Imprint" is unrated, and the frightening imagery may be a little too effective for smaller tykes. Harsh language is briefly used, there are some scenes of violence (though it's not graphic), and mature themes are discussed, but overall, the movie is appropriate for most ages.

It's never heavy-handed, but the celebration of Native values and culture is at the core of this movie. And I found that a refreshing change from typical Hollywood fare.

And a final positive note: The character of Shayla Stonefeather is a strong, independent woman and one of the best onscreen role models I have seen in a long time - not just for Native girls, but for all young women.

Well written and beautifully crafted, "Imprint" is an impressive display of local talent that compares well to any big-budget blockbuster.