Wow. I picked this movie up last night based on the interesting sounding premise and the positive blurbs on the case. I was not disappointed. This is one of the best horror movies I have seen in a LONG time.
Made on a shoestring budget of $75k, this shot-on-film (not digital video, as was originally planned) movie is well written, decently acted, beautifully shot and edited and turns out to be a real frightful feast for horror fans looking for something different.
The premise revolves around a town on the verge of population exodus. Even the sheriff is getting ready to pack up and leave town. The sudden appearance of a teenage boy covered in blood, approximately one year after a brutal murder/disappearance changes everything. The plot unravels at a good pace, but still allows the viewer to follow the action without having to spend much time focusing on confusing questions. The supernatural elements of the story are dark and disturbing, rather than clichéd and inane. The writer/director also unravels the tale without pausing to have a character explain all the event to the viewer in a spoon-feeding fashion, like so many slasher films marketed to dim-witted teen audiences.
In terms of visual effects, you're in for a real treat. The movie makes use of torrents of blood and some great, non-CGI old fashioned latex set pieces that really have a strong impact. This is not what I would call a slasher movie, but gore hounds will not go away feeling cheated by this film.
Without giving anything away, I will mention that the ending is a little on the bizarre side, but it makes for great conversation after the movie. I watched the commentary to see if perhaps there was an explanation, but the director felt that it was best for people to make their own judgments.
In conclusion, this is the sort of movie that save the horror genre. It's a shot in the arm to the industry and there is a lot that major studios and big name producers/directors could learn from this little wonder. If you haven't seen it yet, go out and get a copy. The is a MUST SEE for all horror fans.
Made on a shoestring budget of $75k, this shot-on-film (not digital video, as was originally planned) movie is well written, decently acted, beautifully shot and edited and turns out to be a real frightful feast for horror fans looking for something different.
The premise revolves around a town on the verge of population exodus. Even the sheriff is getting ready to pack up and leave town. The sudden appearance of a teenage boy covered in blood, approximately one year after a brutal murder/disappearance changes everything. The plot unravels at a good pace, but still allows the viewer to follow the action without having to spend much time focusing on confusing questions. The supernatural elements of the story are dark and disturbing, rather than clichéd and inane. The writer/director also unravels the tale without pausing to have a character explain all the event to the viewer in a spoon-feeding fashion, like so many slasher films marketed to dim-witted teen audiences.
In terms of visual effects, you're in for a real treat. The movie makes use of torrents of blood and some great, non-CGI old fashioned latex set pieces that really have a strong impact. This is not what I would call a slasher movie, but gore hounds will not go away feeling cheated by this film.
Without giving anything away, I will mention that the ending is a little on the bizarre side, but it makes for great conversation after the movie. I watched the commentary to see if perhaps there was an explanation, but the director felt that it was best for people to make their own judgments.
In conclusion, this is the sort of movie that save the horror genre. It's a shot in the arm to the industry and there is a lot that major studios and big name producers/directors could learn from this little wonder. If you haven't seen it yet, go out and get a copy. The is a MUST SEE for all horror fans.