My quick rating - 4.2/10. This short horror film packs in a handful of solid ideas and a promising story, though it ultimately feels like an incomplete piece rather than a fully realized movie. The plot centers on a teenage girl determined to uncover the mystery behind her mother’s disappearance, only to come face-to-face with a recently released deranged killer on Halloween night. For horror fans, this premise sounds ripe with potential, but falls short, landing somewhere between a short film and a longer narrative feature, at just 60 minutes. It definitely has a Terrifier vibe to it which isn't necessarily a bad thing. On the positive side, Jeremy Rudd’s limited budget doesn’t hold back the gore effects, which are surprisingly well-executed. The practical effects deliver the grimy, raw aesthetic you’d hope for in a slasher, adding a bit of weight to the film’s more intense scenes. This attention to gore works in its favor, grounding the story's horror elements and giving a glimpse of the vision Rudd had for the film. However, the story feels like it stops just when it should be taking off. The movie starts out engaging enough, but it's clear that it needed more time to develop and clarify key elements. The pacing is hurried, with character motivations and backstory left underexplored. Rudd’s writing and direction hint at a twist that could've been effective with more context, but it lacks the buildup and depth required for real impact. While watching, I felt a bit like I was getting a teaser for a much more compelling film that’s still waiting to be completed. The acting, unfortunately, is shallow, which isn't uncommon in low-budget horror, but it does limit the film’s overall immersion. In short, it feels like an ambitious pitch that didn’t have enough time or budget to follow through. With a little more story development, added runtime, and some polish, it could have been a stronger #Shocktober entry. Right now, it serves as a glimpse of what could be — a rough draft of a potentially chilling Halloween story that just needs more time to hit its stride. Here's hoping it garners enough interest to expand into a more complete narrative in the future.
Justwatch only has one streamer listed for this one.
Comments