Skinwalker

I sat down to watch the 2021 movie "Skinwalker" from writer and director Robert Conway with only a vague idea of what the movie was about. I must admit that the concept of this Indian myth does have some appeal to it, so of course I sat down to watch "Skinwalker".

And while "Skinwalker" certainly was a semi-watchable movie, it just wasn't a particularly entertaining or enjoyable movie. Why? Well, because the storyline was just too simplistic and not enough happened throughout the course of the one and a half hour - give or take - that the movie ran for. Which made for a rather bland viewing experience.

I had hoped for a bit more from "Skinwalker" than what writer and director Robert Conway managed to deliver here.

The acting in the movie was adequate for the most parts, though the actors and actresses weren't exactly given a great script to work with. Nor where the characters in the storyline particularly fleshed out - pardon the pun here.

Ultimately then "Skinwalker" was a movie that came without a ruckus, and it will leave without a ruckus and fade into oblivion without having imprinted a lasting impression on me.

I am rating "Skinwalker" a mere and less than mediocre four out of ten stars.

Most of this movie is filmed likely in the same clump of trees and brush from different angles. We have the usual suspects of Outlaws, and Sheriffs, and Deputies, and of course... Skinwalkers. Plot / Story not very complex. People meet up and one gets 'turned' and then we go from there, but not very far.

I did like the end of the movie tho for what reason I'm still trying to figure out. 4/10.

Western Horror is a strange genre. This movie itself is a bit strange. You have two or three good actors and that's about it. Some of the dialogue is so painful I had to put Bengay on my popcorn. A completely trite plot with a bit of a twist, grave robbers rob the wrong grave and get cursed. But, it's not just a curse, there's a snake bite. It explores polygamy, the grey area of outlaws, briefly touches on a marshall with convictions (before his deputy chews up the entire scene and spits it out) a strange attraction that goes nowhere, misused characters and, I'm sorry, one of the worst actresses I've ever seen in a movie. The majority of the cast tries to pretend like they're in the old west at some undetermined time. The lead actress sounds like she's ordering avacado toast. With almost every line delivery.

There are good parts. The marshall, the head outlaw and Red Feather the Native chief do a fine job. Others in the cast do a passable job for a western horror film. Near the end they try to push some messages, which are obvious. All and all, It's not everyone's cup of tea. It's much longer than it should be. The writing isn't horrible, the directing? Not bad. The acting is fifty fifty.

If you're looking for a western horror film, I'd suggest Bone Tomahawk.

Nothing about this movie strikes me as being remotely authentic. Of particular note is the crisp white fabric worn by the Indians, and the teepee that looks like it would be gone in a good gust of wind. The acting looks like acting. People saying lines they have memorised with no real emotion behind them. Unconvincing all round, like someone's final year project at drama school.

Really interesting look at Skinwalker Ranch before it existed.