Teenage Angst/Trauma Symptoms Meet Violent Coping Skills

Overview

Becky has been going through a lot. Her mother passed away from cancer, her dad is dating again and life just hasn’t been the same for awhile now. She’s moody, upset, she lashes out at others. She is obviously a teenager. Joel McHale is her sympathetic and supportive father. The family gathers at their secluded home to reconnect and discuss the future when unanticipated guests arrive.  

Plot and Storytelling

The guests, led by a wonderful Kevin James are escaped prisoners. They have a specific reason for stopping by. They have been planning this trip for some time.

At a lean running time of just over an hour and a half, the movie uses an efficient pace to set things up. The suspense is grinding and builds up well. When the trigger is pulled, it’s a battle of wits between Becky and Kevin James and his goons. Think Home Alone if Kevin had a violent streak.

Performances

Kevin James is convincing as a Zen like neo nazi. With a large swastika tattooed to his head and carrying plenty of swagger with each scene, he balances calm and scary well in equal parts.

Lulu Wilson embodies teenaged angst and emotional trauma as well as she does with the cold violence she dispatches later.

The supporting cast is rounded out by a solid Joel McHale, Robert Maillet and Amanda Brugel.  

Direction and Cinematography

Directed by Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion, the makers the 2014 romp “Cooties,” the film makes good use of its woodsy location. And the violence when it comes is gory and fun.  

Meta Commentary and Themes

The biggest kick for me was watching emotional trauma serve as the backbone for those survival instincts when they have to kick in. The result is energetic, fun and empowering.  

Conclusion

Kevin James villainous turn sparring off against Lulu Wilson’s teenaged rage makes for great gory fun.  

• Pros: Strong emotional core with believable family dynamics; great performances by talented cast. Fun, vicious kills.  
• Cons: some cast members underutilized , gore may be too much for some audiences.  

Final Rating: 4/5

This film can be found on “Netflix.”