Mask of Thorn

I usually try to go into films without knowing anything about them, but afterwards it is often interesting to find out more about their production.

'The Mask of Thorn' is the second part of a trilogy. This concerns perceived do-gooder Bethany Lovell (Eve Kathryn Oliver), who suffers from suspiciously overbearing parents and an inability to fit in with her schoolmates.

To add to her troubles, the mysterious Thorn turns up to pursue her. Nice camerawork and lighting don't disguise the fact that he's an actor (Atticus Machiavellian - really?) in a mask (of Thorn, presumably, which is fair enough). He's even been given glowing eyes to make him more frightening. What really sells him, apart from his predilection for violence and killing (often in the same manner) is the sound design. Guttural breathing and snarling has rarely sounded so meaty.

Some acting is dire, some not so bad - there's a character in a horrendous 70s wig (this is set in the 80s). Conversely, my favourite character is foul-mouthed Julia (Lydia Cashman), whose line-up of expletives is wonderful.

For anyone who criticises the clearly tiny budget on display, MJ Dixon (the director responsible for the enjoyable 'Haunting of Molly Bannister' and 'Cleaver: Killer Clown') productions are a labour of love, financed by himself and fanbase crowdfunding enterprises. While the end result doesn't always match the admirable intent, it certainly has moments of interest and effectiveness. My score is 6 out of 10.

After finding this title I was intrigued by the fact that it seems to be part of a shared movie Universe.

After watching it, I was perplexed, it seemed cheesy and a little campy, but was shot in a very modern style.

I looked into the film and suddenly realised that it was shot in TWO VERSIONS, but the main one was supposed to be a 'old square TV' style 80s version and as soon as I found the 80s trailer on youtube for it it all clicked.

This is a throwback to the 80s and although its a great, tight little story that 'borrows' from the films like Friday 13th and The Hidden it makes SOOOO much more sense that it was intended as a homage to that era.

Anyway, its pretty funny, has some great action and one of the kills in it, MY GOD, I'll remember that for sometime.

A great little no budget indie title that should get released in its original format.

Found this for a few quid in HMV,

An obvious 80's inspired slasher in the vein of Terminator, what really struck was the strong use of colours and music that really captured films of the 80's. Reminded me of the classic 80s VHS horror Prison.

Well worth your time if you can handle indie fair.

Would love to see more from Thorn.

I'm a stickler for any new slasher villains and I have been waiting and waiting for a new icon to come along.

I'm pleased to say he's here, I dont know where ive been but this is the 4th? outing for this character (He was in a film called Slaughter House in 2011) and boy is he something.

Loved it, from the 80s style of camera shooting to the silly characters and costumes. I hope we'll see more of Thorn like we did the old style slashers. Manhattan anyone?

10/10 loved it. Long live Thorn!!

No idea what going on with these score here.

Looks like some people missed the point of 80's monster movies. This is what this is. It obvious that the directors knew that it was supposed to be like those old movies.

I thought it was great, deducting some points for some 'questionable' effects at some points, but well worth the few quid I paid for it.

The end of the film says Thorn will return in Wrath of Thorn, but there is another film called Legacy of Thorn, another just called Thorn and then a short film called Thorn which is confusing.