Girlhouse

"Girl House" has been called a slasher film for the digital age. The theme was done to death before the turn of the Millennium, though here there is a new twist, a couple of dudes are watching the carnage live on-line but are unable to warn the victims as one by one they are done to death by a disgruntled weirdo who has been driven into a frenzy by a cruel joke. Actually, it wasn't that cruel, but stranger things have happened in real life. In March 2014, a woman was given a 12 year sentence at Snaresbrook Crown Court after throwing acid in the face of a former friend. Mary Konye went to incredible lengths, disguising herself as an Orthodox Moslem woman, totally veiled, tailed her victim from the Underground station, and then attacked her. The motive was a throwaway remark that most people would have forgotten within a day or two if not an hour or two. Here it is not a remark but a caption on a photograph that unhinges a guy who although clearly highly intelligent is not exactly good looking, and is somewhat lacking in social skills, not to mention short tempered.

Okay, this dude is not just mad, he's insane because there are better things to do with a houseful of nubile young things than murder them, but if this tale has a moral it is never be unkind to anyone, even by accident. Or alternatively, once you knock the bad guy down with a golf club or a hockey stick, hit him again, and again, and again, and again...

Patience is a virtue not often found in slasher flicks. Usually it's rare to go ten minutes without someone meeting an unfortunate fate at the hands of a mass murdering psychopath. 'Girl House' breaks the mold in this instance. It has a rather unique structure to it where the story and characters are introduced to us for an extended period of time with little else happening. This might sound like a negative but it really wasn't. All the mayhem is saved for the final quarter of the film (barring the open scene - which was very well done) and it's a fun ride.

The characters, particularly the main one Kylie, are a lot more likable than you usually get in this type of film. The extra time given to the viewer to get to know them really pays off in this way. The sexuality of the film is always apparent but never overbearing and it certainly never becomes anything you could refer to as an "erotic-horror". The killer was intimidating enough to warrant a few decent scares and overall the movie is of a good quality. An impressive little entry into the genre that you will enjoy if this sort of thing is for you.

I saw this last night because the plot really caught my attention, and I was very pleased with it. This movie tries to do something different, many people may say it is the same as all slasher films, but this ''girlhouse'' thing is something I had never seen before, and it was very entertaining. The killer was creepy af, they definitely payed homage to the Texas chainsaw massacre because when the killer wore the mask it was extremely similar. Nonetheless, it has its flaws of course, it could have been pulled off smarter, this movie doesn't escape from some clichés, like knocking the killer out and instead of just finishing him, they just run away and hide, I mean they filmed a hammer he had attached to his back, she could have grabbed it and just killed him right there; also, some of the acting could have been better, but I really enjoyed this film, the main character was likable and not stupid, actually, there weren't that many stupid moves in this film, would watch it again, totally.

I didn't have high hopes given the premise and thought it would be a cheap excuse to show more porn than actual horror, but boy was I wrong: as a fan of slashers, I can say this is quality stuff! There is some really slick direction going on in some scenes ala other films like You're Next where a scene will suddenly transition into slow motion during the action, the acting is surprisingly impressive given the fact these actresses had to be comfortable showing some skin at various parts of the movie (that usually tends to attract lesser-quality actresses), there is some nice tension, some great and inventive kills, and a truly hair-raising killer. The mask and outfit are crucial in a slasher film, and this one gets it right. The killer also runs (heck, he hauls butt at various points) and is physically foreboding, all adding up to a menacing villain. Treat yourself to one of the few good slashers to come along in quite some time because I know I enjoyed the heck out of myself with this one. P.S. The score is great, too!

As a slasher fan, I quite enjoyed this directorial debut. The first time director Trevor Matthews shows promise and delivers a satisfying horror movie that ticks all the boxes one comes to expect from a slasher film. It's fun, bloody, gratuitous and inventive.

The setting of a house that broadcasts x rated content online works perfectly for horror, much like the Sorority House Slasher movies from the 80s but with a modern twist.

The film is nicely setup and allows you to get to know the characters quite well before they are dispatched! (and they are all quite likable and not annoying!) And it must be said; the dialogue and acting from everyone is quite good. Especially from the main actress Ali Cobrin. Therefore the film never drags....

The kills and makeup were also quite good, with one kill in particular being quite amusing..

The only problem I'd have with the movie is that it was a little tame for my standards, probably cause I'm used to seeing crazy films from the French Extreme Horror movement like Martyrs and Inside! But for me it just wasn't all that scary.

Overall opinion: Satisfying horror movie and a promising debut.