Chabak - Night of Murder and Romance

Heading out on a date, a couple tries to engage in a romantic trend of camping overnight in their car, which soon puts them in the crosshairs of a killer targeting and abducting people in the area and causes them to fight back, exposing several dark secrets that put them all in danger.

While there's a lot to like here, it does have some problems as well. Among the better features here is a straightforward storyline that manages to bring about a fun mix of styles. The first half is devoted solely to the relationship which shows them to be a fun and engaging couple with their struggles to get to the camping site, including the reports of the missing women, the creepy strangers warning them away, and the awkwardness of staying in the car at night, which helps to paint them as an endearing couple. Their interactions come off genuinely affectionate and romantic, especially with the activities depicted involving her singing for him, setting up romantic meals, and the physical contact featured. The romantic qualities established here make this section quite involved and enjoyable before it gets to the more thrilling moments. Those thrilling moments in the second half are where the film starts being far more creepy and chilling. Knowing that she's being stalked as well as knowing the killer abducting people in the area, there's an atmosphere ripe for mistrust and twisted allegiances that play out rather nicely once the masked man makes an appearance. Featuring several brutal beatdowns and some fine suspenseful stalking thrown into the mix, there's some thrilling action present to go along with the brutality depicted in their fighting back. The use of the woods and darkness where everything takes place makes everything feel far more intense and up close with how it takes place, trying to escape from the masked madman beating them or flashing the hunting knife. Once the mask comes off and the whole point of everything is revealed, there's a bit less energy, but still with enough ferocity in how desperately she fights back against them. With some strong twists and turns involved in here along the way, there's quite a lot to like here. There are some flaws here holding the film down. The main issue is a generally weak and lackluster third act that doesn't make much sense. After the whole ordeal is over and the two are driving home, the genesis of the plan is revealed, which becomes immensely disappointing and distracting. The whole reason for the encounter gets revealed which is incredibly unrealistic how it would play out in real life, as it involves extramarital affairs being handled by hiring a hitman to kill your spouse, or the whole thing being started with an affair that borders on incest, with how badly-drawn out the relationship dynamics are portrayed between the guilty parties. Moreover, all of this comes about after dealing with the killer through extended conversations that drain the energy from the film right after all the fun encounters have happened, so's ending falls flat at the worst moment. As the small cast and limited locations mean there are some obvious low-budget limitations on display, these come together to lower the film somewhat.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Violence and Graphic Language.

The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their desperate fight for survival all the more believable and emotional. The masked psychopath is a terrifying presence, and the film's use of setting and sound design creates a sense of claustrophobia and dread.

What sets CHABAK apart, however, is its thoughtful exploration of the couple's relationship and the painful truths they must confront. It's a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but also leave you pondering the complexities of love and loss.

Don't miss this gripping horror-romance thriller - but be prepared for a wild ride!"