There has recently been a modern slasher wave among independent filmmakers. New slasher films either paying homage to, copycatting, or making fun of 80s slasher films are everywhere. Many of these films are just okay. Others are simply terrible. But there is the occasional modern slasher film that displays sheer talent on the part of the filmmakers in capturing the true spirit of the slasher genre.
Slasher Studios, a fairly new film company, is beginning to make a name for themselves by creating modern slasher films in this style. Their first movie, which I have not yet seen, was Don't go to the Reunion. But their newest film that is being released just in time for the holiday season this year is the holiday themed Dismembering Christmas.
Tensions are high among the group members as old wounds and grudges get dug up. But things are only worse when strange noises in the dark of night draw a few of the group members out into the woods where they meet their bloody demise.
One by one the group is drawn into the darkness of the woods or the dark corners of the cabins as they are each killed off. Soon, the remaining group members realize that someone has an old grudge that can only be satisfied with blood.
Another element that sets Dismembering Christmas apart from other films is the significant moments of realistic fear and tension. This is the first modern slasher movie I've seen that doesn't resort to cheap jump scares and gore in order to "frighten" the audience. The use of camera work, music, and well done acting creates moments of creeping dread.
Unfortunately, the acting isn't always consistent across the board. There are a few cast members that stick out like sore thumbs. Luckily these actors are not on screen for too long. But these few awkward moments do create hiccups in the overall film.
The only other complaint I had was the sound balance. At times it seemed the voices of the actors were so quiet that I had to strain to hear them. In contrast the soundtrack--which is brilliantly written to accent the film's moods--was overly loud in parts, making it harder to hear the actors.
Summing it Up
Deaths: 10
Language: 4
Gore Factor: 3
Sex Factor: 2
Scare Factor: 5
Fun Factor: 5
Overall Rating: 5