Review: Desolation

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IFC Midnight has become a sable in the horror industry; churning out its share of fantastic flicks and the occasional dud. Luckily though, for fans constantly looking for the next horror film, IFC Midnight delivers in plethora. And for that, horror addicts should be thankful. One of their latest releases, Desolation, finds its light in the characters who bounce off of each other perfectly.

Following a recently widowed woman, her son and best friend on a hiking trip gone wrong, Desolation takes home invasion deep into the wilderness for a slow-burn that's somewhat tepid but unsettling nonetheless. Desolation stars Jaimi Paige (Peacock) as Abby, the mother of Sam, played by Toby Nichols (Iron Fist). The film also features Alyshia Ochse (True Detective) as Jen and Claude Duhamel (Valentine) as the mysterious stranger the trio encounters.

Jen is obvious cannon fodder to bolster the otherwise impossibly tiny kill count, but it's a shame since the actress is fantastic; a slightly wilder single woman whose confidence is undeniable. Her chemistry with the Paige's Abby - and to an extent Nichols's Sam - truly makes this movie. Without her finesse in establishing a truly special relationship onscreen, this movie could've gone a lot worse.

The plot, while incredibly simple is executed mostly well. The mysterious hiker could have been fleshed out more, but in a real-life case scenario, the victims would never figure out why he does what he ends up doing to them. In some ways, this subtle slow-burn may have actually worked even better if the protagonists received an even brighter ending. The lack of bloodshed could have been more effective had it been even more limited, since what little was shown seemed less like a choice than a fear of pulling the trigger.

 

Ultimately though, Desolation and its short runtime are definitely worth checking out. For the bond between the characters alone, this movie brims with a type of light so often missing from these types of slasher-invasion films. Each of the three is incredibly likeable and noteworthy, even if the fourth member of the cast remains completely elusive. Desolation is simple, taut and other than some flaws, mostly maintains interest. 6 out 10.

Best in Show: Summer Horror (Pt. II of II)

5. Sleepaway Camp

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Sleepaway Camp is a weird, weird movie. It's a film that flashes with 80s flair; now practically laughable in effort and tact. Matching these factors with a twist ending that would now be considered off-putting; Sleepaway Camp has become the sort of cult flick destined for summer sleepovers and movie nights projected onto blankets under the stars. It's got the summer camp for children, featuring all of the fun summer activities your childhood could think of and by the film's end, you're sure to be drowned in the dated nostalgia this movie pours out.

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4. Jaws/The Shallows

Jaws is the movie that scared a generation out of the water. Jaws is perhaps one of the most iconic summer films ever. Given its ocean beach setting and plethora of prop pool toys, this movie provided audiences with a reason to be even more afraid of the ocean than they were. While Jaws is likely more deserving than fifth on this list, its cooler, New England-based location takes away from the truly summer mood capitalized on by later films like The Shallows. Otherwise, Jaws is still a worthwhile dive into the warmer months, even if those months seem more like April than July.

Speaking of The Shallows, this movie is undoubtedly deserving of a place on this list. Capturing beach warmth with all of the gleaming shine of summer, The Shallows exceeded expectations when it was released last summer. Despite similarities to the classic Jaws, The Shallows is able to stand on its on two fins by providing enough excitement and popcorn-munching fun to make it the summery movie audiences need to put them in the mood.

3. A Perfect Getaway 

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A Perfect Getaway seamlessly captured the essence of tropical warmth. Even at its wettest, the Hawaiian-based thrilled oozed with the feeling of summer adventure. A Perfect Getaway is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the back-and-forth weather of the Northeast. It's got everything from sunshine and ocean kayaking to hazy jungle hikes, all culminated into a visually stunning and ultimately thrilling escape.

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2. Friday The 13th

Maybe even more iconic than Jaws, the pinnacle slasher, Friday the 13th, is easily one of the most recognizable summer films ever. It's the very basis of summer camp massacres and deserves to be recognized as such. This film and its hefty franchise are what many horror fans first think of when they think of summer, and for good reason. Between the warm weather clothing worn by the movie's victims to the old, rickety cabins on the camp's grounds, the setting of Friday the 13th is unforgettable. Camp Crystal Lake is near-summer perfection.

1. Cabin in the Woods 

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While a lot of people would argue that Friday the 13th is most deserving on a list of summer mood horror films, there is no denying the weight carried by Cabin in the Woods. Simultaneously scary, as it is funny, equally dark as it is light, this on-the-nose dissection of horror is so reminiscent of summer that I can feel sunburn growing now. Whereas movies like Evil Dead feature wet, gray forests, the woods surrounding this film are lush and warm, spotlighted by the moon and done so with such intent (by both the filmmakers and the scientists within the movie), that it's atmosphere is unparalleled. It features all of the warm summer feelings each of the list's other movies offer including lakes, summer fun and poorly dressed teens, but inevitably tosses it all in the air in exchange for a visually crisp and obviously well-A/Ced laboratory. The fact of the matter is, Cabin in the Woods is summer.

 

10 Favorite Horror Movies (Ever) (Part I of II)

It's been about a week since I began this blog and I realized that I most definitely should have started things off acknowledging my favorite horror movies of all time. As noted, I am a child of modern horror and my opinions tend to reflect that. I do enjoy some classics and will more than likely talk about them again, but in terms of my current standings on the industry, only two "classics" made it into my list. However, I would argue that all of the movies I've listed will be looked back upon as classics as well.



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10. The Strangers

As previously noted in my list of favorite slashers, I truly love The Strangers. From the nostalgia it provides for me to the very real fears it doles out, it's a staple in my horror collection. I have been confused for so long as to how so many people collectively decided they didn't enjoy this movie, I spent years backing into rooms making sure no one was about to come behind me. Fire alarms still give me pause and I am always afraid to be home alone. With all that said, I think it would be a lie not to include The Strangers on my top list.



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9. The Descent

The Descent frequently is placed on lists of best modern horror films, but it is so much more. The Descent is a bona fide classic. The first time I saw this movie I was left scarred. It is a deep, terrifying adventure film that also happens to feature a diverse group of female leads, and honestly it deserves more recognition than it gets. The Descent was everything in high school and I'll be watching it this weekend. 

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8. The Exorcist

For all I say about modern horror, The Exorcist continues to be one of my favorites of all time. It's too amazing not to love and where other older horror movies falter when looked at through today's lens, The Exorcist holds on. It's acting isn't overrated or outdated, not even its effects seem that outlandish and fake. The movie is able to transcend time and I am here for it. 

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7. Cabin In The Woods

What is this movie? That was my question the first time I saw Cabin in the Woods. I then went back to the theater and saw it two additional times. It's funny without trying too hard, scary without it being the center of the film and interesting beyond all belief. I really, really dig this movie. I love it so much I have purchased merchandise featuring it. The scares  are real, the humor is solid and no one can say it's an un enjoyable movie. By the time Sigourney Weaver, one of the original "final girls," shows up, the brakes have been completely smashed away.



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6. Scream

I loved all four of these movies. They're so emblematic of everything Halloween (I'd argue even more so than Halloween itself) and for this reason alone, it's one of my favorites. On top of that, I love the characters- From Sid to Dewey, to literally anything that Cougar Town says, this movie is a relentless horror movie that is in on any jokes it offers. It's the ultimate satire and I am here for it. There is not a thing I would change about these movies. While not particularly scary (except for the stray jump), Scream is a must-see horror movie for literally anyone ever.