Let me warn you right away. The aggression scale is just what it sounds like, this is one brutal movie. And it starts right away. Without any warning, or rather the opposite, the film shocks you right from start. I would categorize this as a slasher.
We see a couple with two teenagers moving out in the countryside, obviously moving away from something. We don't really know why, but we've got a hunch. Amongst the things, are getting away from bullies, because the boy is mute, due to this. The film starts with a brutal gangster boss, Bellavance, just out if prison, missing no less than $ 500000, and that's not acceptable to him. On his command, his hoodlums start a killing spree.
A scary undertone fills the first part of the movie, beautifully filmed in a thriller/horror way, just before something happens the film slows down to slow motion film. Quite neatly done.
I can see some referring to this as bloody Home alone, and they have a point. The inventiveness of the teenagers are above average, you could say. They have had to watch a lot of violent movies to get this brutal.
Another interesting point is the two Twin Peaks actors, Robert Wise and Dana Ashbrook, one very recognizable, the other you've gotta watch the eyes to recognize. They are both brilliant. It's more to scrutinize with some of the other's acting. The girl Is OK until she is hurt, Then she turn plain bad. The mute kid is better.
The film is also too unrealistic when it comes to the hits and the walking from the woods on broken bones. This puts me off a bit. I enjoy a good slasher, but I like it to be plausible. Some great talent here, but not all is functioning in this low budget slasher. Still it's able to keep a certain tension. Director Steven C. Miller is on his way up, and this is his best film so far.
