Slasher films came of age in the Reagan era.
So it’s fitting that filmmakers take Doc Brown’s DeLorean back to the ’80s to tell new stories.
“Night of the Reaper” does just that, adding a VHS twist along the way. It’s smart and satisfying with a killer opening sequence, but like some modern films, it doesn’t know when to say, “enough.”
A young and spunky babysitter named Emily (Summer Howell) is living her best life, dancing to Pat Benatar and sneaking a cigarette break on the job.
What happens next is both predictable and chilling. Few recent horror films have opened better. It’s almost worth watching the whole film just for this sequence.
Co-writer/director Brandon Christensen immediately has our attention.
The action moves on to Emily’s sister, Deena (Jessica Clement), a sullen college student returning to her hometown. Deena reconnects with old friends and family. She also snags a babysitting gig when her friend gets sick.
The child in question is the son of Sheriff Rod (Ryan Robbins), still haunted by his wife’s passing.
Death is too common in this cozy hamlet, and matters are about to get much worse.
Everyone dances with the reaper.
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Christensen (“The Puppetman”) doesn’t overdo the ’80s shout-outs, but the film isn’t as clear-eyed as needed. One late-movie death will have more than a few audience members scratching their heads.
Dueling storylines follow both Deena’s increasingly scary babysitting gig and Sheriff Rodney’s investigation, fueled by creepy VHS tapes. Christensen’s control on the narrative isn’t as tight as needed.
Otherwise, he marshals old-school horror tropes – creaking doors, chilling silences – in a crisp, efficient manner.
The story pays keen attention to the main characters, giving them time to breathe and connect with us on a genuine level. Young Clement proves particularly adept at conveying a world-weary teen without seeming clichéd.
The sheriff’s growing rage offers another fascinating element, leavened by an office flirtation and inter-office politics. This “Reaper” pays attention to smaller details, and the results are rich and rewarding.
To a point.
Tone, pacing and atmosphere are all better than expected, and we’re eager to see where things may lead. The third act provides the answers, but it’s clearly a case of a too-smart-by-half script that stumbles rather than soars.
Third acts are routinely challenging for horror directors. It’s one reason the recent “Weapons” proved so satisfying. Still, even with the misdirection in play, “Night of the Reaper” is a cut above most indie shockers.
NOTE: “Night of the Reaper” is playing on AMC+ and Shudder
HiT or Miss: “Night of the Reaper” starts strong and proves slasher films don’t have to be brain-dead affairs.