All too often we see horror flicks pumped out that rely on reboots, jump scares, C-rated cameos and...Christ are we adapting copy-pasta now?
Weird Fiction breaks that mold while paying homage to the golden age of horror films. Viewers are led through four stories with vastly different themes; each one a traditional genre with modern twists applied to them.
We are chaperoned between stories by The Collector; a Crypt Keeper-esque character with a heart of mold. Played delightfully by writer-director Jacob Perrett.
Episode one, "Goodnight, Daddy, " is a throwback to classic slasher flicks. Including a fantastic Inside-The-Mask shot.
Story two, "Night of the Sitter," brings us a demonic monster in the form of a babysitting gig gone wrong.
Short three, "The Incubus," is the most abstract of the collection. A fantastic blend of art house-horror that mashes mythologies in a way that I'd never seen before.
Fourth, and last, is the alien invasion themed, "Cosmic Terror." It begins like E.T. with girl-meets-alien in a heartwarming fashion. Though that heart quickly goes from warmed to stabbed repeatedly as the "terror" in "Cosmic Terror" comes into play.
This is an indie film that deserves major recognition. Its cinematography, lighting, editing and scoring are more inspired than most of the recent horror films pumped out of Hollywood.
Several actors appear in multiple stories throughout the film. Their dialogue is well-written and delivered with flawless timing and inflections. With stand-out performances by Taylor Rhoades (who is in all four), Isabella Rodriguez (two stories) and Matt Male (two stories).
Be sure to check out Weird Fiction if you're a fan of retro-horror, indie films or are just looking for a neo classic horror movie.
