This largely unheard of British slasher movie came out of nowhere and was actually quite good for a debut from first time filmmakers.
A group of seven friends head to France for a weekend in a cottage hoping to have the time of their lives, unfortunately for them a mental patient has escaped from a nearby institute and he’s closer than they might expect.
The film started out quite well with one particular scene that took place in the rain turning out particularly good, and then I was further impressed by the quality of the film as it began it’s main storyline.
The cast of total unknowns were actually quite good, and you even kind of liked a few of the characters which always helps you to enjoy a slasher movie. The casting choices also gave the film a kind of snuff feel to it, as you were watching strangers being killed on film, and you can’t check to see if they are alright the next time their teen soap is on, because they aren’t in one!!
The film was well photographed and was well lit. I’m pleased to report that you could actually clearly see what was happening, even during scenes that took place in the dark, and the in-car camera work was very impressive also.
The deaths were quite gory and there were a few little jumps and moments of tension to be had as well, and the music was quite good also.
The only downside which is a common problem in low budget filmmaking was the sound. It was sometimes hard to hear what was being said, and I couldn’t understand why during montage sequences the filmmakers had kept the dialogue in as well as the music, as you weren’t entirely sure if they wanted you to hear the cast or not?
The film didn’t outstay it’s welcome however, and ended rather nicely as well.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Hacked Off benefits from nice locations, really good photography, a decent but unusual choice of score, and above all else a sense of realism that actually made the preceedings seem that little bit more creepy.
