I think its the best titled film to be released since… There Will Be Blood? I was hoping the film would live up to its great title. Unfortunately I had heard mixed things. Neither a comedy nor a horror.
I was pleased to be on the side that enjoyed this film far more than most.It has a classic set up. A big house party with a group of good looking 20 somethings from various socio economic backgrounds spend the weekend at one of their rich parents mansions to ride out a hurricane. Eventually people start turning up dead.
The characters are all various Gen Z stereotypes, we have the newly sober drug addict, the estranged school friend who had been forgotten when the girls went to college, the older boyfriend who is far too old to be hanging out with 20-year-olds.
When the bodies start turning up, alliances are formed and broken and accusations that can’t be taken back are levelled. Including one absolutely sensational scene where in an attempt to declare their innocence they begin to weaponise the vernacular of the day.
Terms like ‘Gaslighting’ and “triggering’ are brandished like knifes as they cut through each others supposed trauma-feigned innocence. They desperately strive to be the biggest victim in the room. Eventually they succumb to naming not only all their own mental struggles but those of their parents too. “My mother has Borderline”, the apparent trump card.
Finally the ultimate insult is thrown. One of the girls reveals the other hate listens to the others podcast so she can laugh about it later. This is truly the ultimate betrayal.
Keep in mind this conversation happens in a room with their friends dead bodies in it.Within the text there are shades of American Psycho and maybe even some of Donna Tartts’ A Secret History but through a TikTok lens.
I really enjoyed this film but it's not perfect. I did feel like it could have been a shade nastier. I am very glad its being released in cinemas and not to streaming though. It's a great one to watch with a packed house. It's also a great looking film, director Hanna Reijn really knows how to stage a set piece, I feel like we dont see power cuts in movies anymore and when it happens here you’re reminded that everyone has a flashlight on them in their phone.
Really fun use of mobile phone lights and glow sticks makes this film stand out from a visual stand point. The cast is all great, Pete Davidson probably the best known actor here, he’s fine, but isn’t asked to do a huge amount. Maria Baklava who was sensational in the recent Borat film is incredibly creepy.
The star though is Myha’la Herrold who plays Jordan. She’s currently starring as the lead in the best show on tv Industry on BBC at the moment and I was delighted to see her pop up at the start. We don't see a lot of films like this anymore so it is worth supporting.
I am surprised they didn’t hold off for release closer to halloween but here we are. I reckon this is the most fun you’ll have in this autumnal season.
