Director Stevan Mena has met much criticism for his debut feature as it has been viewed by some as a rip-off of better movies. Whether you think he is a hack or not, there is absolutely no denying that Malevolence is the most simply structured and well executed slasher movie I have seen in quite some time.
The story is simple, a group of bank robbers agree to meet at a deserted location to split their takings but complications lead one of the robbers to kidnap a mother and daughter who find themselves in fear of the goons, only to then have to do battle with a crazed killer.
The eerie locations and simplicity of the villain make this a creepy movie to watch and it does have a few surprises thrown in there too.
The acting is pretty good and things play out nicely, but some of the attempts at homage overstep the mark of subtlety.
OVERALL SUMMARY
The bleak atmosphere, creepy slaughterhouse location and use of a blue lighting tint a la Halloween make for a chilling time and it even has a satisfying ending. ‘There’s still no sign of your purse or your keys’……SHRIEK. And to think I was just about to complain that the tagline was false advertising.
