The Wretched

I checked out the Indie Gathering for the 2nd year in a row and again was seeing a disappointing set of films until I saw this film on Saturday night. From the beginning it just had a tone that gripped you and wouldn't let go. It certainly wasn't as bloody or in your face as most horror films being kicked out these days, but it was campy, funny and scary in a good old school sort of way. The dialogue was quick, the scenery worked well for them and they took advantage of it, the chicks were hot and showed some good skin and the minute I thought things were a little slow, the movie picked up for a crazy frenetic ending. The filmmakers said they would be playing festivals the rest of the year so check it out if it comes to your city.

This movie is horrible. The writing is something out of a jr high imagination. The acting is terrible. The only actress with a smidge of talent is the girl playing Cheryl. This movie is only horror because you watch it. Seriously garbage.

The Wretched

Horror fans, rejoice. Some of your fondest memories of the great 80's cheese movies will be reinvigorated after a viewing of Daniel B. Iske's "The Wretched". This writer, inspiring director, and fellow avid horror fan, was reminded of Sam Raimi's classic "Evil Dead". Hilarious, tense, violent, and memorable; the filmmakers have taken what they have learned and applied it with great effectiveness to their own film. There's the classic camp fire ghost story, the suspenseful shower scene, the bloody deaths; we all could of been watching a movie that really was from the early 70's and 80's.

So, how does this film set itself apart amongst the thousands of renditions, re-dos, and throwbacks? How can the filmmakers possibly make their film memorable? It's all in the characters; they are effectively built through quick, funny dialog. They will remind you of your own friends, relatives, neighbors; they are easily identifiable. The writing is spot on, and the script seems to move through the story effortlessly; the whole film flows. But, what sets it apart the most is that this little indie film, that was made for no money at all, looks fantastic. It is surprisingly seamless, and actually looks better than most low budget B horror films that you can buy at the local video store. With their immense creativity and problem solving skills, Iske and Co. were able to bypass what seemed to be a huge setback, and instead thought of it as: "more money, more problems." For all filmmakers, and especially those of the Indie variety, this statement is immensely true. You have to be able to look at every scene, every detail, and think "how can I make this look professional and slick without any cash?" The filmmakers answer is one that draws upon their own strengths as they focus instead on building their story and characters instead of their lack of funds. This is film-making at it's most raw, and it's most enjoyable.

Recommendation is sky high, folks. If you want to scream, laugh till you cry, and be on the edge of your seat, then seek out a copy. If you want to see what a Spielberg, Eastwood, or Scorsese would make without any funds, seek out a copy. This one, my fellow horror fanatics and movie buffs, is one that can't be missed.

-Connor Stednitz 10/10