Definitely skip past or just ignore the lackluster intro. It's god awful! Unless you're into that sort of thing.
This is one of a collection of anthologies I dub the "Presents Anthology Series" that are comprised of the winners of different indie horror film festivals.
"Indie" doesn't necessarily mean bad; and a low budget doesn't necessarily mean a poor production value. This anthology presents us with some of the best indie tales, crafted by some of the most competent up-and-comers from the indie horror industry. Whether they made it to the big leagues or not, nearly every entry is top notch.
Only in indie films, folks.
With an offbeat approach, our first vignette, "The Darkening Hollows" utilizes seemingly poor pacing to intentionally expedite its story, to great effect, I might add. Completely shifting gears, "Kung Pao Corpse" comes in with a very unique approach to the most timeless of classics, sprinkling in some tasteful tongue-in-cheek humor to boot. Another powerful entry, "Pastiche," is one of the most genuinely disturbing performances I've seen in horror in a long time. "To Have and To Hold" and "Waking" are also very strong entries.
We are treated to 6 tales.
Below are brief Plot Summaries:
The Darkening Hollows:
When her car breaks down, a young woman catches a ride with a group of teenagers. 6/10
Kung Pao Corpse:
In a strange turn of events, a young delivery boy finds himself delivering asian food to a graveyard one eerie, moonlit night. 9/10
Waking:
When his dreamscape becomes eclipsed by nightmares, a tormented young boy must make a choice. 8/10
Pastiche:
To carry out his perverse passion, a depraved lunatic sets his sights on an unwitting family. 10/10
Run, Hyde:
Desperately yearning for what he cannot have, a man's pursuit of happiness is subverted by his alter ego at every turn. 5/10
To Have and To Hold:
For the fizzled out love life of a young couple, a unique opportunity to rekindle their flame arises when mutilated bodies begin showing up in their city. 7/10.
