Trepidity

As always, Acrostar Films really delivered. With enough blood to satisfy Dracula, Trepidity joins the ranks of classic 80s horror. Loved the premise, including the beginning (from the 70s). From the onset, the creep factor was high, with an excellent urban legend, a sinister location, and characters both likable and not so much. The characters themselves were so accurate to the era and to that particular horror movie subgenre. Their clothes evoked a certain nostalgia for those of us who remember the 80s, and their mannerisms. As for their attitudes, I will admit to a bit of sadistic pleasure in watching the too-stupid-to-live teens meet their comeuppance.

Never having heard about this 2022 horror short film from directors Ashley Hefner and Steve Hermann prior to sitting down in 2023 to watch it. But with it being a horror movie of sorts, of course I opted to watch it and give it a fair chance.

Even while running at only 39 minutes, then "Trepidity" wasn't really particularly enjoyable. Sure, it looked like those participating in making it were having fun doing so, but for us on the other side of the screen watching it, this movie just didn't cut it.

The storyline from writers Steve Hermann and Emma Norville didn't had much to offer. And even with its short length working against it, there just wasn't much to be enjoyed in the storyline. It was too simplistic and sort of served no purpose.

Needless to say that for a project such as this, then there are no familiar faces or names on the cast list. I am sure that those involved did their best in performing for the camera, however I wasn't particularly impressed.

"Trepidity" came and went without any lasting impression. And this is not something I would recommend horror fans to rush out to get to watch. Nor is it something that I will ever sit down to watch a second time.

My rating of "Trepidity" lands on a three out of ten stars.

If you want a quick trip down memory lane with an 80s slasher short, spend 40 minutes watching Trepidity. Girls drinking in an abandoned barn, which looks pretty creepy, and reenacting an urban legend - what could possibly go wrong? You may think you know how this will end, but you'll be surprised. Well worth the watch - great practical effects, plenty of blood, great pacing, the music sets the mood throughout.

It's interesting that the film starts with a look-back to the 1970s. The look of the film and costuming is spot on. There's actually a reason that a demon is conjured - I like the reflection back to that time period. The 1980s segment also totally captures the look including the color treatment of the film. Check out Acrostar Films and order Trepidity on DVD - it is now part of my Halloween horror film watch list!