We need films like Finale to reassure us that low-budget, independent horror films are still worth watching. Too often in recent years filmmakers think the do-it-yourself attitude of low budget movie making means being lazy, resulting in terrible films that lack care. Just because you have a low budget doesn’t mean your film has to suffer. If you put the time in, you can come out with a strong, reliable cast of unknowns, and a compelling story. In fact, as the ultimate success of low budget horror, The Blair Witch Project, proved, you can even generate a level of tension and fear that rivals any big budget competition out there.
Finale, although maybe not being the scariest film you’ll see all year (or all month for that matter) features a nice watchable cast and a very compelling story that is well told. The plot centres on grieving mother Helen trying to prove her eldest son did not hang himself. As she descends further into denial and paranoia, her investigation threatens her relationship with daughter Kathryn and she decides the only way out is to follow the path chosen by her son.
Finale’ certainly looks stylish, with the old-school 70s feel captured to perfection. Von Hauck does a very good job of portraying a mother driven to extreme delusions by her grief, directly affecting those around her. The film has a very classic-Italian horror feel to it, evoking an atmosphere similar to classic Argento films. The film’s strength is arguably in the visual ideas, and occasionally inspired set-pieces. A murder that occurs inside a public bathroom is extremely effective, and one of the film’s most shocking moments.
While it’s obviously low budget, the director has nonetheless, clearly a considerable degree of visual awareness. The opening scenes are superbly handled, with a vicious pay-off, that really helps set the scene for the remainder of the story. The manner in which the more nightmarish moments are handled will also recall for many Clive Barker’s Hellraiser. They also provide what are arguably the film’s more frightening moments.
OVERALL SUMMARY
A stylish horror that is let down only by a lack of scares. A brilliant example of independent filmmaking, nonetheless.
