Original, creepy and worthy of modern cult-classic status

kclipper

score 7/10

Here is an exercise in atmospheric creepiness, eerie repugnance and downright unsettlingly intensity. This Little horror film from genre newcomer David Robert Mitchell, who wrote and directed this dark and weird tale of the supernatural, conveys unexplained phenomena in a twisted display of disjointed storytelling. "Unexplained" is the best way of describing the action that takes place, but metaphorically this film stands alone in its attempt to recreate and pay homage to the 1980's horror films dealing with teenage sexuality and its repercussions. It seems that there is this entity, and I feel that that's the only appropriate way to define it, an "entity" that can take any human form it wants and mark its victims consecutively as they engage in sexual relations with each-other. It seems confusing, but quite simple in fact. This supernatural entity is somewhat of a sexually transmitted disease that is only visible to those that are marked. It has super-human strength and cunning will follow, track down and perversely destroy those that it targets without emotion, feeling or remorse.

This atmospheric film, although quite incoherent and strange at times incorporates a ambiance that is obviously influenced by 1980's films by John Carpenter, and it achieves his approach towards mood and tension over character development and story. In other words, its a horror film for horror fans, and that's all. There is no explanation for the "Hows" or "Whys". It just is what it is, and the plot devices and suspenseful set-ups are on par with those great films of the 80's that got under our skin for no definable reason other than its sheer weirdness and paranoia. Maybe future sequels will build up towards a more precise explanation, but in the meantime, audiences will be enthralled by its mystery. Its a film that poses many questions, but continues to surprise and shock. That's all I can say without completely spoiling the fun, but I will say this much...The performances are believable, the music and mood are unbearably tense, and it has a psychological effect that is inexplicable. Look out for those most disturbing scenes...The swimming pool scene, and creepy next door neighbor standing naked on the roof of the house is a hoot. Remember, Be careful who you sleep with and always watch your back.

kclipper 3 July 2015

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3269716/