13 Graves

I watch a lot of low budget films and I usually find myself using my computer or my phone while doing so. However the opening of 13 Graves kept my attention completely and my phone and my laptop went untouched for a good half hour. Then, unfortunately, the plot takes a turn and my attention started to wane. It goes from a crime thriller to some sub-Kill List wannabe and never makes the leap successfully. The tonal shift doesn't work, the narrative becomes boring and film starts to drag. Such a shame as if they had been able to maintain the opening 30 minutes for another hour then they could have had a great film on their hands. But by trying to be clever, they missed the mark badly. So 3 stars for the opening 30 minutes and nothing for the rest of the film.

A British Crime horror movie. Combining the British crime movie flavour of Snatch & Lock stock , The gangster cool of Reservoir Dogs and the Pagan cult horror of the Wicker man.

What Works :

• A great cold open, instantly sets the status quo. Effortlessly introduces the players and the tone of the movie.
• Great characters. Our protagonists our 2 gangster heavies , but the ooze charm and have great chemistry on screen . The dialogue is great and they actually come across as real people. To male friends in real life would totally break down in hysterics when a friend would get stuck in the mud, or trip down a hill. I was boought in to their characters.
• Builds tension. The first act is more a crime story whilst the third shifts to cultists supernatural horror . The change is tone and building of tension is great and the supernatural threat ramps up.

What doesn't work:

• The second act falls a bit flat and feels like it's treading water somewhat
• Overuse of CGI blood squibs
• Sadly the climax is a little weak, and doesn't make much sense , and thus is a bit of a let down. You can more or less see something like it happening, but thy take it one step further and just left me feeling perplexed.

Overall a solid and watchable gangster horror hybrid . Well worth your time

Blair Witch meets A Sixth Sense.... just took neither of the positives from either film.

This piece never got going. Really not a lot of back story provided. Acting was average at best throughout, with little to no suspense.

Solid dependable horror thriller with a very able cast. Special mention to Jacob Alderton as Billy who was effortless. First half was great with terrific direction. photography and a great soundtrack- which helped crank up the tension further.

Second half seemed to run out of ideas. The ending didn't make much sense and seemed a little rushed and I would personally have liked to have felt a bit more depth and empathy with the characters.

On the whole t though a great idea. that's sure to do go down well with horror fans.