The Horseman

First off, this film isn't going to appeal to everyone. It features graphic violence (most of it unseen) and a quite mundane plot that plods along. However, if you are a fan of old 70's and 80's exploitation films then you are in for a real treat. The story follows a man, who has been sent a video of his recently deceased daughter in a porn film. She's smacked off her t*ts and obviously isn't a willing participant. He takes it upon himself to track down all copies of said film, and anyone involved in it's making...And destroy them! This is gritty stuff. With little to no soundtrack, there is almost a documentary feel to it. It really makes you ask the question: What would you do? Although the plot isn't at all similar, it has the same kind of realism to films like the underrated 70's classic 'death weekend' and 'The Last House on the Left'. There is real drama here and characters that you truly root for. I hope this little gem doesn't slip under the radar because there are a lot of film fans (myself included) that have been waiting for this type of film to come along since the early 80's!

Christian is an everyman forty something pest controller, grieving over the death of his drug addicted tearaway daughter, found dead in mysterious circumstances. One day however, he receives a video tape through his letterbox. Upon playing it, he sees it's a porn film. A porn film starring his daughter... So begins a brutal, gritty and at times bone crunchingly violent odyssey of revenge, as Christian proves himself quite implacable and merciless when it comes to dispensing his own brand of justice on those he deems responsible for his grief. Yet, this is no simple ra-ra revenge driven film. It's just as much a study in loneliness and grief as well as a blistering revenge film, and has some rather poignant scenes, such as his tentative friendship with a young runaway hitch hiker. Also, NOBODY does scum quite like Australia, and to any Australian readers, believe me this is a compliment.

The Horseman is excellent-savage, grim, bleak yet touching. 9/10, one of the best revenge films I've ever seen, and that isn't something I'd say lightly.

Highly highly recommended for any fan of revenge films or horror. Check it out. You won't be disappointed.

A very low budget Liam Neeson-ish revenge thriller on steroids. A pissed off dad goes on a crazed killing spree against dirtbags who may/or may not have been involved in his heroin-addict daughter's death. Hard to feel sympathy for the protagonist and get invested in the story because the script clearly lays out that his adult daughter made very poor life decisions that lead to her demise. She overdosed and choked on her vomit, there wasn't foul play. As for the the filmmaking itself, The acting was passable, nothing special. The film looks and feels very indie, low budget which I guess adds to the grit the movie was going for. The violence was touch and go, some scenes it was fully shown while others the it was off screen.

but this is essentially an exploitation film.

The most outstanding thing is the lead actors performance which was pretty amazing. I was expecting more from the film after the first half an hour or so, but the film never achieves the depth that Peter Marshall's performance suggests. The script doesn't do justice to the production or the acting.

It's enjoyable revenge flick but to try and engage with it on a level beyond that just exposes how silly and tasteless it all is.

Despite these misgivings there is a lot to like about the film and I hope the director and Peter Marshall especially progress to bigger and better things.

This is a story of one man's revenge against the people he holds responsible for the death of his daughter. It's a grim and grimy revenge tale full of bloody violence. It won't appeal to everyone and my wife ceased watching after 5 minutes but if you like these kinds of movie then you are likely to enjoy this.

The acting is pretty good and I thought Peter Marsh did a good job at gaining sympathy as the grief stricken dad doling out his own particular brand of justice. Brad McMurray is also worth a mention as one of the most imposing villains you could wish to see.

I wouldn't say this film had many surprises or a particular message but I find watching lowlife scum being deservedly dispatched pretty satisfying in its own right. The Horseman is a fast paced film and doesn't spend much time setting the scene before plunging straight into the action.

I enjoyed this film and thought it was a very good example of a quality revenge movie especially bearing in mind it's relatively low budget. Recommended.