kmrich-28386

I love Slow-Burn horror when it's done right (i.e. Session 9, House Of The Devil, etc) and this one did not disappoint. The tension throughout the movie is palpable. It has almost an indie feel to it in the way it's shot, and I thought the acting was solid. Although the plot may not be the most original under the sun, the story had enough of it's own identity to set it apart from others like it, and the way it unfolds at the end is truly unsettling.

If I didn't know better, I'd have guessed that this was an A24 film, as the way it builds reminded me somewhat of The Witch. There are elements of the Conjuring movies and Hellraiser as well. If you're the kind of horror fan who can forego the instant gratification of action and scares earlier on and instead enjoy that gnawing feeling of knowing things are about to go horribly wrong, you'll dig this film.

I saw this movie shortly after it was released and just finished watching it again, having bought it on Blu-ray. It was even better than I remembered. I'm a life-long, hardcore horror fan, happy to enjoy the ride every time I pop one in and blissfully unencumbered by hang-ups like plot originality or camerawork. For God's sake, people, it's HORROR! Shut up and enjoy it for what it is.

There's nothing wrong with this movie. The plot is reasonably interesting, the acting is solid, and the production is decent. If you dig Halloween -themed horror flicks, you'll like this. Don't believe the hate.

Okay, so it seems people either love or hate this movie. I will try to offer a balanced review (I'm not affiliated with the movie or anyone in the movie, just Joe Average horror movie buff). First off, this movie plays like a Lifetime movie, but edgier. That's not a slam; it just has that type of feel. The characters are a little under-developed early on, but not unlikeable. I thought the vibe of the characters as lifelong friends felt very authentic. The movie unfolds slowly, but the pace is steady and the tension is palpable. Things start off normal enough as the game begins, but gradually evolve from odd to weird to bizarre. The ending is somewhat open to interpretation, but satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed the arc of this movie and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates "quiet" horror movies (along the lines of The Innkeepers, or House of the Devil).