Night of the Reaper

I was convinced to watch Night of the Reaper thanks to an opening scene I saw on Shudder's Instagram, which overflowed with 80s energy and atmosphere, with the background music pulling us right into the action and an aesthetic that looked like it came straight from a VHS tape. On top of that, I had read some opinions pointing to it as a whodunnit (films where we try to guess the killer's identity), a subgenre I really enjoy, so I couldn't resist.

But I quickly realized that the opening scene is, in fact, the film's highest point. The initial energy never transforms into artistic personality, staying only on the level of visual surface. It feels like the director nailed the "look" but failed to give it real narrative impact. The result is a film that works on a technical level but feels incomplete in terms of soul.

As for the story, it is not actually a slasher. What we get is more of a crime thriller with light touches of horror. The film tries to be a whodunnit but gives up halfway. There are not enough characters to create the mystery dynamic this subgenre needs, and the killer's reveal ends up being predictable. It is not that the result is bad, but it also never becomes truly good. It meets the basic requirements to keep us watching until the end, without ever raising the bar or delivering that sense of unease or surprise it seemed to promise.

In the third act, there are some twists that could have given the story more strength, but they are undermined by explanations that are too rushed, forced, and not very believable. The film lacked time and clarity to develop these ideas properly. Still, I appreciate the attempt to do something creative instead of sticking to the basics, even if the final impact was weak.

In the end, Night of the Reaper is entertaining enough, but it leaves the clear feeling that it could have been much more. The style is there, the potential too, but it lacks substance and stronger writing to really convince and make a mark. It feels like a missed opportunity to turn a good concept into a memorable work within the thriller and horror genres.

I was hesitant to watch Night of the Reaper because the previous work from this director was a bit meh. I read reviews and saw some if not a good deal of reviews were positive, also I like Shudder and tend to give their original films a chance. In doing so I've been left with a lot of hit or miss, but for the most part I've found pretty entertaining horror. I am pleased to say Night of the Reaper was a pleasant surprise. Although not perfect, but what is, you can appreciate it's throwback attempt, which was well done and it's low budget feel. It wasn't low low but they made good use with what they had. I did have a problem with the first hour not having enough kills to be considered a slasher film. Be patient it's all apart of the setup. You get to know the characters and motivations for the things they do in the film. The main character may grate you with her decisions but it's again motivation. Not giving away any spoilers here but the last 30 minutes is when the payoff kicks in, and oh boy does it. It's worth the wait for the setup. The trapped babysitter being terrorized and making the same old mistakes is worth the frustration you feel. A few plot wholes and slow pacing can put you off but wait, it pays off. The entire cast was solid and the DP work kept the mood at a damn good atmospheric creepy mood. I'd give it a 7 but the budget constraints do show at times. This is a solid horror film and well worth the watch. The lead actress and the sheriff carry the heavy workload and they deliver. Watch and enjoy.

Just finished this movie. Shudder Original at a perfect time of the year.

Very good from start to finish. No spoilers here... well worth the watch.

This is not your usual "mask killer" slasher movie.

Some Shudder Originals are better than others, but they never disappoint. This is one of the better ones.

Brandon Christensen's new horror film is an innovative slasher with well-executed ideas that make it highly recommended. It stars Jessica Clement and Ryan Robbins.

Its director presents us with a slasher with a very '80s style, not only because it's set in that decade, but also because of its distinctly analog approach. It's a film that feels retro in every way, highlighted by a memorable soundtrack and nostalgic art design that adds even more charm to what we see on screen.

We're faced with a straightforward, straightforward offering that doesn't present any major complications, but which takes advantage of its varied twists to highlight its powerful Final Girl, played outstandingly by Jessica Clement. Its cast also contributes to the film's solidity. It also offers a very gratifying opening sequence with Summer H. Howell and some villains who are quite interesting to watch.

It's a film that fulfills its purpose; it may not be the best of its genre this year, but the director's intention to offer something fresh to the audience is evident. In my opinion, the film delivers with enthusiasm, although, of course, it has some weaknesses. However, at no point does the story seem to stray. It's a journey that keeps you attentive and, above all, enjoying what's on screen.

It could have been much more well-rounded, but it chooses to prioritize its plot twists, a choice that at times takes away some of the impact it truly deserves.

A recommended film for fans of the slasher genre: it delivers, it entertains, and it genuinely makes you jump out of your seat.

Loved the 80s vibe, vhs, walkie talkies, babysitter alone in the house, sheriff on a mission to save the day before it's too late. All a fantastic setup for a great little slasher movie.

The set up was great. But the way it turns out in the last half hour was completely different.

You get the feeling while watching it that a lot of your opinion of the whole movie will depend on the payoff at the end. Will it be surprising? Clever?

Well i think it tried to be both, bit failed on both accounts. And when you look at the full reveal and lay it all out exactly what happened it makes no sense at all, why? Why was anyone doing what it was revealed they were doing?

Ok you can think well i don't understand why they did that but ok, but how?? How did anyone do what they did? So little makes sense

there was some real nice tension and suspense in the house i really liked up till the end, the ending isn't the worse but i just felt went against so much of the tense build up that was created before.