Embark on a trip into a quiet, paranoid world where ugly things happen behind closed doors and down desolate country roads. Garrick (A.J. Bowen) has escaped from prison and is on the run. His ordinary looks and casual demeanour mask his menacing true nature – that of an unassuming serial killer who can’t control his compulsion to kill. Disguising his appearance and driving along interstates under the cover of night, he leaves a trail of corpses as he makes his way across the country.
Meanwhile, Sarah (Amy Seimetz) spends her days working as a dental hygienist and her evenings in AA meetings. She slowly opens up to the support group and makes a tentative romantic connection with fellow member Kevin (Joe Swanberg). Awkward in their newfound sobriety, they bump and fumble in their courtship until Sarah gradually gains the confidence to reveal a dark secret from her wounded past – a secret that, unbeknownst to her, is about to resurface.
The two juxtaposed storylines interweave as the film progresses, allowing the mystery to unfold at its own contemplative pace. While the title might imply a degree of exploitation and nastiness, director Adam Wingard triumphs in placing the dramatic narrative ahead of genre conventions. Still, the frenetic tension is palpable as it builds to a boiling point and the characters’ secrets are gradually revealed.
Wingard gained attention for numerous videos and shorts, as well as his micro-budget, head-trip features Home Sick and Pop Skull, which were both self-financed and made with friends. He’s developed a keen cinematic eye, melding striking imagery with intricately layered soundscapes to create emotionally honest characters and an intimate atmosphere. A Horrible Way to Die marks the arrival of a fresh, dedicated vision in independent American cinema. –TIFF
Every sequence starts or ends with a blurry medium shot and that was SUCH a major turn-off I barely made it through the film, but the way the story developed was pretty satisfactory.
Dynamite calling card for Adam Wingard establishing himself as a strong young voice in American cinema. Why a film like 'Snowtown' has gathered critical support and this one seems to have been passed over is a mystery. This is one of the best of its kind since "Henry POASK" or "Man Bites Dog" not faint praise by any consideration. Camera work, music and jump cutting all add to the suspenceful mix. top notch
Wingard and Simon Barrett’s followup to A Horrible Way to Die has swept the Fantastic Fest awards.
A roundup of horror-related reads, lists, remembrances and reviews.
Let's start this one with Bob Turnbull: "Fearless. Absolutely fearless filmmaking. Sion Sono takes no quarter, doesn't deal with
This is going to sound weird.This film is oddly personal for me. No i am not a serial killer, but it is a story similar to a project i am writing. Not only that but the ruzzle piecing narrative that… read review