WirelessE

This film doesn't have much dialogue, but instead is driven by the awesome soundtrack and sound design. All ambient dissonance, with background traffic noise, car horns, fractured conversations and sinister laughter. Although sometimes a bit dreary, once the music gets rolling it really does create a mesmerising menacing tone. This is filtered through a backdrop of a deliciously scuzzy cityscape, where everything is covered in a layer of grime and sleaze, accompanied by choppy visuals. This creates an atmosphere far exceeding its limited means and makes for an arty grindhouse affair. I'm sure there are plenty of haters who dismiss it as boring garbage, but I am a fan, and consider it a masterclass in how much sound can add to a film.

A very British entry into the 1980's slasher cannon. It feels as if the EastEnders writers thought that they'd give jumping on the slasher bandwagon a go, but lacking any real insight into the genre they get it a bit wrong at most turns!

Lacking the perkiness of most of its American cousins and the style of the Italian gialli, the film is nevertheless more aligned to the giallo in terms of structure and plot, police procedural action and a whodunit angle with numerous characters.

It gets pluses for the mask, a variety of amusing kills, the London Dungeon scene and the sheer curiosity factor given that UK slashers of this era are relatively rare. There is a bargain basement TV actors look and feel throughout, like a fairly straight BBC version of a slasher film. London looks suitably gross, seedy and grotty. A few off the wall moments keep it fairly enjoyable and worth a look for fans of sleazy, cult, obscure trash.