Synopsis: A lonely man finds an invitation to a Halloween Party with a difference.
Director: Jeremy Saulnier
Starring: Chris Sharp, Kate Portfield, Alex Barnett
Review: I love a good independent horror movie. They seem to push the boundaries which some mainstream movies don’t and often achieve more (more scares, story, thrills and more) on a smaller budget. The film sees loner Christopher find an invitation. Deciding he’d rather spend Halloween at a party than home with his cat, Christopher makes himself a cardboard knights costume, some pumpkin bread and sets off to party. However, it’s not the party he expected as he is greeted by a group of ‘artistes’ who discuss the most creative manner in which to kill Christopher.
Considering this movie was shot with a very minimal (if any) budget, the quality of the acting and the special effects is very good. There are lots of flashes of humour as the narcissistic group try to cover up a murder and compete for an art grant from the mysterious Alexander. I especially liked the conversations about food.
The characters are well defined and little phrases or gestures do more to flesh out the characters than excessive dialogue. It’s original in its delivery with unexpected twists and turns. Perhaps not a classic but a solid foundation for future work by the writer/director and cast.