Animus

This film, although I appreciate is a first attempt at a horror type movie, leaves much to be desired. The actors portrayed their parts in an amateur fashion and were given the stereotypical personalities so often seen in this movie genre. Some characters (Maya) were portrayed decently enough however other characters seemed forced and very static.

The plot could be interesting if it were told in a more compelling fashion but unfortunately the concept was not strong enough to deem the film 'good'. The make-up was another issue as the antagonist was shown very clearly with close-ups and bright lighting and the film could not get away with their make-up application and choices.

I do understand that this is a first production for the director and it is a commendable attempt however this film lacked finesse and was quite sloppy at times (some parts are very blatantly bad editing; one can hear sound being cut in and out and even re-recordings do not flow with the scene).

ANIMUS gets off to a relatively good opening with a gory murder followed by a suicide and I was somewhat surprised just how gory this was and also draws the audience in to the story . As the story proper starts we're then introduced to a bunch of film students studying at the University of Tucson . The students are young and good looking and I got feeling we might be watching a very traditional horror film like we had in the 1980s where horny teenagers get chopped up by a psycho killer . Indeed we have a very minor character called Wes Carpenter and this self reference gives you a clue what you're going to be watching - horny teenagers fighting for their lives

The problem is that very little happens after the pre-titles hook and the writer/director Quin Davis and early on in order to spice things up we have a horror sequence which is revealed to be a nightmare . This draws attention that for long segments very little is happening plot wise . The story drags at a snails pace and since the other reviews have mentioned the cinematography so will I - it's unimpressive and very grainy and nowhere near being compared to big budget Hollywood horror films . The camera work is also very static but I suppose that's due to a lack of money and post production facilities . Horror junkies especially ones who remember the 1980s might enjoy ANIMUS but not being much of a horror fan I didn't

From gifted film maker Quin Davis comes this extraordinary and original horror movie. Both written and directed by Davis, it tells the terrifying story of students investigating paranormal activity in a abandoned hospital. Before too long, the investigators are running and fighting for their very lives as they are pursued by a blood thirsty maniac. Davis is superb at creating the fearful environment within the creepy hospital and his imagery is incredibly haunting. The script is intelligent and the characters are realistic and bright. John Bernath and Megan Davis give outstanding performances, giving their roles depth and humanity and compassion. While the paranormal investigation of derelict hospitals has been done a few times in the past, it has never been filmed with such insight, plausibility, and stark raving horror. An exceptional horror film, finely observed and beautifully realized.

Had all the makings of a great horror but didnt follow thru. Tryed to hard to be a hollywood horror. Some gore but not till 60 mins into an 80 feature. A dream sequence that qas cool but thats it. Lead lady had it going on good job but the others really hurt the acting with their delivery. But still qas shot well and had some blood so if you like 80s early 90s you will like it. If delivers in many ways just needed a lil more action or horror in the beginning. If your into B horrors you might love it if your not looking for a lot of practical spfx.

The second movie called Animus that didn't really do it for me. Still this is a step (or two) up from the other one I watched. Which isn't really saying much, since this still isn't really good. Some nice shockers and I reckon for a low budget movie the effects are ok too.

So depending on how much slack you are willing to give this, how low you are comfortable lowering the bar to have fun or even if you just are into this sort of no money movie almost amateurish style of filmmaking ... I appreciate the love they put here, so I might be giving them some slack, always consider that when seeing my rating - bear that in mind so to speak