Faceless After Dark

Meta horror film involves the co-star of TERRIFIER 1 and 2, Jenna Kanell, playing an actress who has breakout success with a starring role in a killer clown horror movie. However, she finds herself the victim of a crazed fan intent on recreating the killer clown movie's scenarios. It's not an especially clever film, but Kanell gets to show off more acting chops than she was allowed in the TERRIFIER movies, and FACELESS AFTER DARK also serves as something of a counterpoint to the misogyny of those films, as well as the nature of toxic fandom. However, Damien Leone does get a thank-you in the credits. Overall, FACELESS AFTER DARK is nothing to go out of your way to see, but it's not terrible.

A struggling actress who only had one hit, with an indie horror slasher involving a clown, gets countless trolls who troll her on the internet, and she gets turned down constantly by auditions. So one night she gets drunk and passes out only to wake up and find out that someone in a clown mask has broken in. Faceless After Dark oozes in its neon style, and is reminiscent of 80s horror. From its quick runtime, to its flashy charm, Faceless After Dark was really fascinating to me. It stars the upcoming Jenna Kanell, of Terrifier and Redfield fame.

She does great in the role, and fades into the character seemingly. She brings a lot of personality and charm to the film, and was the perfect fit. The movie is also great at subverting your expectations. I wasn't expecting some of the routes this movie was going in and i always appreciate when a film does that to me. Where it fails in its cycle. What i mean by that is towards the middle of the movie you get this formula that basically loops for the rest of the movie.

About three events happen and then a kill, and then that loops about 4 more times, and it definitely felt repetitive very quickly. I kinda wish this movie got more creative towards the climax, and maybe switched some things up. But overall i got a decent amount of enjoyment from this little indie horror flick. It's a fun version of a character study, that tells a good story, and is overall good for what it's trying to accomplish. You're definitely gonna get some sort of enjoyment out of this thing, and it's definitely not a movie to skip. Check it out and show it support, it's far from bad.

Having starred in a killer clown movie, emotionally fragile actress Bowie (Jenna Kanell) finds herself harrassed by obsessive perverts who inundate her with obscene messages via social media. When her more successful girlfriend Jessica (Danielle Lyn), star of a hit TV show, leaves for a job in London, Bowie is left all alone, and is targeted by an intruder in a clown mask carrying a pair of garden shears; however, Bowie is able to overpower the prowler and deals with him using extreme force, an act of violence that tips the already unstable woman over the edge...

Like Zoe Termelis's character in Ms.45, Bowie flips her wig when attacked by a man. However, unlike Abel Ferrara's movie, Faceless After Dark is less 'satisfying and stylish feminist revenge fantasy' and more weak 'torture porn', the film largely comprising of a series of premeditated acts of violence perpetrated on a series of helpless individuals who, while not exactly upstanding pillars of society, aren't really deserving of such punishment. It's like a rape/revenge movie, but without the rape to justify the revenge.

If an hour or so of a flaky nutjob off her meds luring people to their deaths is what you're after, then have at it, but I was hoping for something a little more substantial.

4.5/10, rounded up to 5 for IMDb.

"Faceless After Dark" isn't just a slasher flick; it's a warped reflection of fandom, fame, and the cost of artistic identity. Director Raymond Wood crafts a film that's equal parts terrifying and thought-provoking, anchored by a truly killer performance from Jenna Kanell. Who takes center stage as Bowie, a jaded actress haunted by her breakout role in a notorious killer clown movie.

The film starts off strong, establishing Bowie's disillusionment with fame and the obsessive nature of some fans. But it's when she's thrust into a terrifying situation - a home invasion by a deranged fan dressed as the killer clown from her film - that Kanell truly shines.

Her portrayal of Bowie's descent into paranoia and desperation is raw and captivating. We see a shift from initial defiance to a fight for survival. Kanell masterfully conveys this emotional rollercoaster, keeping you glued to the screen.

As the film delves deeper, the lines between reality and warped obsession blur. Kanell seamlessly navigates this complexity, hinting at a potential darkness within Bowie herself. This is where "Faceless After Dark" excels. It becomes more than just a slasher; it's a character study exploring the price of fame, the burden of expectation, and the lingering impact of trauma.

Sure, the deaths are brutal (and there are some truly creative kills here), but it's Kanell's performance that elevates the film. She's not just a scream queen; she's a powerhouse anchoring the narrative with her raw talent.

"Faceless After Dark" might not be perfect. The pacing can drag at times early on, but once the film lays its foundation, you become immersed in the raw intensity that keeps you glued to the screen.

What a nice surprise this movie was. Now I am the number one fan of Jenna Kanell. Jenna Kanell co-wrote the screenplay of "Faceless After Dark " with Todd Jacobs, bringing her perspective to the story of Bowie, an actress on the rise. Bowie may face challenges, from autographing at conventions to navigating a closeted relationship and dealing with home invasions, but she's determined to carve her own path. And with carving her path, this is literally the case. The movie explores the realities of Hollywood, particularly for women, but with a twist! Well, with a couple of twists. When the pressure mounts, Bowie discovers a hidden strength and resourcefulness. Faceless After Dark is a story of resilience, finding your voice, and the power of creativity. Jenna Kanell delivers a captivating performance, making this a fun and empowering watch. Really a solid acting performance. Before I forget, she also co-produced the movie and obviously as a stuntwoman, is performing her own stunts. I am sold. Great movie, hence, the rating of 8/10. Well worth watching.