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Reviews
Artik (2019)
Brutal, intense and gnarly AF!
Artik is one of the most bad-ass indie horror thrillers to surface. There is so much to absorb from this film and it continues to hit you even after it ends.
Holton becomes an unintentional ally to pre-teen Adam an abused boy speeding down a very dark path. Their unintentional friendship will set off a dangerous chain-of-events that will leave your jaw on the floor. Adam's parents, played skillfully by Lauren Ashley Carter (Gags) and Jerry G. Angelo interact with Adam, but neither are who they present themselves to be. A bit of misdirection at the beginning is purposeful, yet effective to the progression of the story. There are a couple of areas that leave the viewer to make some assumptions of their own but it's not a huge misstep and doesn't pull you out of the film.
Watching Artik is like watching a train wreck, as in you can't look away. It's as if you are a voyeur and shouldn't be seeing any of this. It's shocking, uncomfortable and gruesome but you desperately need to see how and if the chaos will resolve. I love the psychology of this film as it explores the argument of are killers born, made or a combination of both. As well as the nature versus nurture theory. Just how much does our environment shape the person we become?
Virgin Cheerleaders in Chains (2018)
Virgin Cheerleaders in Chains ROCKS!!!
Strong story, characters and directing. Gave us a familiar topic but delivered in a way that was fresh and new. Play along and enjoy the ride that Virgin Cheerleaders in Chains takes you on. As a reviewer, I was very impressed with the care and attention Gary Gannaway put into making a genuine high quality horror film. It never feels like an Indie film and is that rare gem.
Taryn Barker: Demon Hunter (2016)
Kicka** heroine+fantasy+action= great indie film
From Ireland comes this fast paced action, horror thriller! Demon Hunter is the story of young Taryn Barker (Niamh Hogan) as she journeys from guilt ridden teenager, to ass kicking heroine. Teenage angst and irresponsibility prompt Taryn to send her sister home alone after school. This selfish act inadvertently leads to Annabelle's violent death. Angry at herself for failing her sister, Taryn makes Detective Beckett (Alan Talbot) promise to find her sister's killer.
A cryptic message from a stranger offers to introduce Taryn to Falstaff; an ancient being that promises to name her sister's killer. But all is not as it seems and her revenge will come at a heavy cost; her soul. Falstaff appears to have knowledge beyond this world and tells Taryn she can get her revenge if she becomes his pupil. Taryn has no idea of the dangers this presents, but readily accepts his offer. During a ritual, Taryn abruptly realizes Falstaff may not be what he appears.
Told using flashbacks, the film chronicles the events from past to present and allow the viewer to enjoy the ride as timid Taryn turns into Taryn Barker: Demon Hunter.
Demon Hunter has some genuinely good fight scenes, special effects and beautiful shots of the city. Shot entirely in Ireland, director Zoe Kavanagh really makes a bold statement with her first film. The cities stone work and tight cobbled streets enhance the night shots. And the film is also supported by a strong goth-metal and industrial soundtrack which is every bit as good as the film.
Slasher.com (2017)
slow burn horror with a good payoff
Sometimes I think the general public does not know the meaning of real "indie" films. A list celebs do "indie" film which are still backed by LOTS of money. With that said Slasher.com is a true indie horror film. For those of you that have short attention spans or a need to see blood spattering every ten seconds this is probably not a film you will like.
Instead you will get character development and subtle context in the dialogue. This one is a slower burn and draws you in. There is a discomfort in the film I love. You know something is off with certain characters but can't pinpoint what it is. The last 25 minutes of the film are brutal and does a good job of trying together everything you've watched.
It's fun, sexy and has good performances. Def worth a watch.