Wednesday, 4 September 2013

You're Next (2011) Plus Official Trailer


From the team that bought us the horror anthologies V/H/S and The ABC's of Death, comes a story about a family get together being interrupted by what seems to be a random attack from animal mask wearing killers. As each family member gets picked off, one of the family guests emerges with an instinctive survival nature to fight back. It's been a long wait for this home invasion horror film to make it's way to the big screen yet normally this would ring alarm bells as to why there has been such a long delay for it's release. The apparent reason behind this is the lack of interest from distributors willing to take a chance.

Now, there isn't anything new or original in the story/plot but what is done on screen is carried out and executed brilliantly. Majority of the characters are paper thin in detail and most come off as horrible and/or unsympathetic beings that you want to see bite the bullet. One does suspect though this is what the filmmakers wanted us to feel.

As the family members bicker on what to do when the first of them is swiftly shot down by a an arrow, the film suddenly shows it's diabolically dark humour. When they argue about who is to run for help, they debate on each others physical statue or how one brother won't make it because of his size, you realise that the film has injected and splice in a family drama amongst a horror film. It's this strange mix which gives the film it's uniquely engaging entertainment.

The film does have it's fair share of cheap scares (characters off screen suddenly appearing, or quiet then loud moments) but it's to be expected. Though the way in which most of the family members are set up, you'll gladly cheer for them to die in the most brutal way possible. The positive points for the film has to go to the mask the killers wear. They are a master stroke in how to make something look pretty creepy and disturbing (unfortunately when the mask comes off, the sense of fear and panic does wains). 

The setting and location is visually striking and menacing, it's isolation and remoteness fuels the nightmarish subject matter. The actors are passable, no famous stars you would recognise unless you are au fait with horror films (glad to see Ms Barbara Crampton back on the big screen). A hugely enthralling and enjoyable film which also has a satisfying ending. Go in with an open mind and prepare to laugh as well as being terrified.


Acting: 3/5
Narrative: 3/5
Technical Merit: 4/5
Entertainment: 5/5

15/20




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