Slice

Three short films with a common theme tying them all together.

Pacing of the stories and the use of lighting create an air of tension and each story is done in its own style.

A non traditional horror anthology with an emphasis on some of the darker aspects of being human without relying on gore.

Addiction and manipulation provides a subtext for much of the film.

First up is the story of a desperate junkie in need of some quick cash and what he has to do to get it

Act 2 is a metal band auditioning a new member

Finishing up with the "true" story of the 1st tale. A cannibalistic cult is represented without being particularly graphic and going further into that description would spoil the surprise.

The film turns on poor decisions addicts make, leading them into true horror. It follows two versions of the same story told from different sources. One version has a somewhat positive ending. Later we learn from a better source what really happened. The acting is very solid and the cinematography is quite good. Dave Paker delivers an extraordinary performance as the second Justin character. The middle story is a great send up of dynamics in Death Metal world. Overall a totally new twist on horror, without vampire, zombies or other supernatural creatures. Again just poor decisions that lead to a chilling narrative.

Chet Turner's vision here is dark, edgy, and sometimes brutal -- but not without meaning.

Psychological nuanced, Slice offers a classic and even throwback energy, and lends an ever-growing uneasiness with each ticking second on the clock.

Whilst it's difficult to nail down a genre this could be categorized in, I find that it's perhaps the film's greatest strength. Turner's vision deals with themes of masculinity that are explored from creative and daring perspectives seldom, if ever explored before.

Slice, despite its brief narrative medium, lingers with us long after the credits roll. Daring. Bold. Different.

Make the wrong choice and see what you'll lose. Was it worth it for what was gained? Only these guys can answer that question, but you'll be left squirming as you witness the lengths they'll go to. An anthology that reveals what a desperate man may find acceptable when the need or want is great enough. You would never do it, but in the darkest parts of your mind, and perhaps at a midnight screening of this film, you will be forced to admit that maybe, just maybe, you would consider the unthinkable. The question I'm left with is, "is the self mutilation the worst part, or is the damage to their psyche the real horror.