Weekend Deadaway

This film took me by surprise! The characters are so well-developed, and I found myself deeply invested before the tension kicked in. It's rare to see indie films with this level of professionalism, both in directing and storytelling. The plot had me hooked, with clever twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. It's clear the director has a bright future ahead, and Hollywood needs to stop recycling the same names and give fresh talent a chance like this. This has quickly become my new go-to for Halloween marathons, and I've already bought a copy to add to my horror collection. Can't wait to watch it again with friends-this one will stay on repeat!

This film has all the essential ingredients for an amazing night, whether you're snuggling up with your wife for a date night or enjoying the thrills with a group of friends. It's fun, suspenseful, and packed with the kind of tension that makes you inch closer to the edge of your seat. With solid acting, skillful directing, and a classic horror story delivered flawlessly, it's a must-watch for anyone who loves a well-crafted slasher film. Every aspect of this movie was handled with care, and it truly delivers on what horror fans crave. Well done!

From the moment the film starts, it hooks you in. The opening scene is immediately setting the tone and laying the groundwork for the suspense that follows. Right from the beginning, you can feel the tension building, and it's clear that something terrible is looming on the horizon. You just don't know when it will strike. This slow burn of suspense works beautifully because the movie doesn't rush. Instead, it takes its time to develop the story and introduce the characters, allowing you to get a feel for who they are before things go horribly wrong. That sense of impending doom is always present, making you both anxious and excited for what's to come.

The cast does a great job of portraying the group of young people who are just reckless enough to walk straight into danger. This is classic horror at its best-where the characters' mistakes make perfect sense given their youth and impulsiveness. These characters are easy to relate to, which makes their inevitable demise all the more gripping. You find yourself both cringing at their poor decisions and eagerly anticipating what will happen next. Every moment seems to inch them closer to their doom, and you're right there with them, trying to guess how it will all unfold. Will they outsmart the killer? Or will they fall into the same traps we've seen other horror victims make time and time again?

As the plot unravels, the murders begin. Each one is gruesome, but not gratuitous, staying true to the classic slasher formula without going overboard on the gore. The kills are suspenseful and creative, with just enough shock value to keep you on your toes. What really sets this movie apart, though, is that it doesn't rely solely on blood and guts to scare you. Instead, it plays heavily on psychological tension, keeping you guessing and making you feel uneasy even during the quieter moments. You never know who will be next, and that uncertainty makes each scene that much more terrifying.

The cinematography is outstanding. From the shadowy, dimly lit scenes to the more fast-paced, chaotic moments, the film is visually stunning. The way the camera captures the mood and atmosphere of the story enhances the fear factor tenfold. There's a certain art to making horror movies look and feel the way they do, and this one nails it. Every frame feels purposeful, with angles that put you right in the middle of the action, as though you're walking down those creepy corridors and running from the killer right along with the characters.

The musical score is another standout element. Music is crucial in horror films, and this movie uses it to great effect. The soundtrack heightens the tension, making the hair on the back of your neck stand up at just the right moments. Whether it's the soft, eerie melodies that fill the quieter scenes or the sudden, jarring sounds that accompany a jump scare, the music is perfectly chosen to keep you engaged and on edge.

In summary, this movie is everything you could ask for in a slasher film. It blends suspense, horror, and a bit of fun into a seamless, entertaining experience. The well-crafted story, combined with stellar acting, fantastic cinematography, and a killer soundtrack, makes this a must-watch for any horror fan. Whether you're looking for a thrilling date night or just a good scare with friends, this film is guaranteed to deliver.

Spotlight Feature Films, Lucky 13 Productions, and 3 Feathers Film present the Friday the 13th-inspired slasher/survival thriller Weekend Deadaway, starring Shoshanna Withers and Nickie Kruszynski. A PG-13 cut of writer/director Clinton J. Phillips' horror movie premiered on Friday the 13th of September 2024.

THE PLOT: "A couple of city hipsters feel like they are just working their lives away and have forgotten how to enjoy life. After some consideration, a tight group of friends decides to go to a rental cabin in the countryside for a weekend away. Little did they know that life as they knew it was forever to be changed. While on their weekend getaway, they can enjoy many property amenities, including off-roading, fishing, nature trails, star gazing, and simply enjoying the peacefulness of the countryside. Shortly after arrival, they realize things are pretty different than expected, which will forever change their lives."

Here are five reasons why you should watch Weekend Deadaway:

5) The Cast!

The ensemble cast does a great job of standing out with their different personalities. Viewers can distinguish them by their relatability. Addison (Shoshanna Withers) is easygoing and funny, while Lux (Emily Sue Bengtson) is all bubbly, and Ryder (Nickie Kruszynski) is more serious-minded. There is a fantastic scene - with all the female protagonists on a hiking trail - that allows the characters to just vibe and the cast to show off their chemistry.

4) The Camerawork!

The cinematography by Gabriel Jung makes excellent use of its forest setting while paying tribute to past horror flicks. When Addison (Withers) stands near the lake during the moody night, she turns her head, the static shot recreates a moment from Psycho. Kudos to Jung for lighting the night scenes in a way that audiences can actually see what's going on in the dark. Seriously, you don't get a lot of well-lit scenes these days, especially with indie darlings.

3) The Suspense!

I am not a fan of PG-13 horror movies, like The Fog remake and Tarot. Bunch of cheap knockoffs I tell ya! Thankfully, there's an exception here. Writer/director Clinton J. Phillips avoids shaky-cam and aims for suspense as the body count starts. Luckily, when the kill scenes cut to black, I don't feel ripped off but more interested in how the whole sequence came out. Dollars to doughnuts, I'm betting the upcoming R-rated cut highlights the gore effects.

2) The Standouts!

By the end of the movie, I was impressed with how Withers stood out as Addison, especially with her humor and natural charisma. I dug Kruszynski's engaging performance and hope to see her in another movie. Give them their flowers!

1) A Fun Flick!

Weekend Deadaway offers fun thrills and slasher suspense across the wilderness. I'm looking forward to the R-rated cut when it premieres Halloween 2024.

How in gods-name does this have a 7.8 rating? I love "B" horror movies, especially vacation/getaway ones, and this one is absolutely terrible. For starters the first 2/3s has literally zero horror elements at all. And I never expect Oscar quality acting in these films, but this one was very bad. It was incredibly hard to follow along as the story offered little value or anything even remotely interesting to keep you engaged. There were so many elements they brought into the movie that were completely unnecessary and like I said, weren't even slightly interesting. They could've cut out 70+mins of this 88min film and still done the same thing. I can honestly say this is one of the worst I've ever seen.

This is definitely worth the watch. Great Indie Horror film. I grew up with the 80's slasher movies and this brought me back to those days. Not overly filled with gore, but incorporated suspense as a thriller should to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I was immediately connected with the characters. I was impressed with such solid acting and a well written storyline that pulled me into the film from the beginning. Very impressed with the quality of this film and look forward to watching future films by this director.

Love having the PG-13 version of this slasher film to watch with my older teens as they love a good scare!