The current trend in the horror genre is
taking cliché' concepts and twisting them while ensuring the film can obtain a
PG-13 rating to ensure box office returns. Chip Gubera's grindhouse
splatter fest, Slasher.com thankfully ignores this convention and delivers a
primal, sexually charged fever dream that turns the serial killer genre on its
head.
Gubera and Chelsea Andes's
script is a blood soaked bait and switch. The film structures itself as a
cautionary warning about online dating and then innocuously abandons the
premise, presenting an awkward, but undeniably sexy coupling that predictably
goes off the rails. The first act is packed full of the uncomfortable
hallmarks of southern Gothic shockers such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and
double downs on the grotesque ambiance as the narrative develops. Fair
Warning: You will never, ever look at a spoon the same way again.
Newcomers
Ben Kaplan and Morgan Carter channel adroit chemistry that transcends genre
pastiches to present two uncertain lovers trapped in a quagmire of the
perverse. They are supported by horror icons Jewel Shepard (Return of the
Living Dead) and R. A. Mihailoff (Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III) who
portray a pair of homicidal lovebirds that rivals the Manson family. This
is an absolutely bizarre film that is anchored by the ensemble. The
ground rules established in the prologue are blissfully forgotten until the
last possible second when the narrative stitches together to elicit a tapestry
of bodily fluids and slasher flick send offs.
Brian Maurer's
cinematography combines with Gubera's kinetic editing to create a forest of
blood, filled with endless throwbacks to the renegade forefathers of its
inception. Gubera's synth score at first appears out of place,
contrasting the natural locales with the cosmetic sounds of the city, but this
is part of the con.This film isn't about subverting preconceived ideas, it’s
about obliterating them in a putrid concoction of sweat and blood. There
are twists within twists that are both hilarious and sickening, the best of
which is how the viewer's expectations are preyed upon, corrupting every
possible B Movie cop out with gratuitous sequences of sexual mayhem.
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| My beard! Worship it. This ain't no hipster beard, damn you! |
Coming soon to DVD and digital, Slasher.com is a rusty nail
to the genitals. Featuring wonderfully disgusting kill scenes, a deviously
profane ensemble, and refreshingly puerile antics, this is one of the year's
most disquieting shockers. Basement level John Waters trash, Slasher.com
is a remarkable exploitation orgy of viscera. If you're strong of stomach
and open to outlandish ideas, this is essential viewing.
Slasher.com is out on March 7th!!!
Score
-Kyle Jonathan