Among Friends

Among Friends is a provocative and darkly comedic horror film that was released in 2012. The film stars Chris Meyer, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, and Kamala Jones, among others, and is directed by Danielle Harris, an accomplished actress in her own right, who makes her directorial debut with this film.

The movie is centered around a fictional dinner party held in Los Angeles, where a group of seemingly close-knit friends is gathering for what promises to be a memorable night of fun and laughter. The guests all don varsity inspired 80's costumes, hoping for a light-hearted, jovial environment, but what they don't know is that the night will turn into something far more sinister and unfathomable, resulting in quite an unconventional ride for the attendees and the viewers alike. The party is hosted by the stunning and highly strung Bernadette, played strikingly by Alyssa Lobit, who also happens to be the scriptwriter for this dark tale.

Chris Meyer plays Marcus, a charismatic womanizer, who is grappling with his own set of fears. As the night unfolds, his seeming composure is deeply shaken in the face of a startling revelation. Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, who is known for her notable roles in Dark Angel and The Victim, takes on the role of Melanie, a cheery bombshell with her own secrets lurking beneath her bubblegum demeanor. Kamala Jones plays Lily, the seemingly innocent wallflower amongst the group. The suspense is continually ratcheted up as things take a turn for the startlingly bizarre.

As a toast is made and the dinner begins in full swing, the film raises the stakes with the introduction of the decidedly gruesome game, adding a unique, and terrifyingly gripping twist to the night’s proceedings. It's light-hearted banter soon descends into terror, as their dark secrets begin to emerge one by one, leading to a climax that neither the characters nor the audience would have anticipated.

The movie's suspense is layered with dark humor, bordering on satirical at times, a facet that sets it apart from other films in its genre; it investigates human frailties and errors with a razor-sharp wit and a haunting resonance that lingers. More interestingly, it delves into the complexities of relationships, friendships in particular, and the extent to which they can be strained when deep-seated treacheries surface.

An arresting aspect of the movie is its captivating cinematography, capturing the close quarters of a singular location – the host’s house – where the action unfolds. The palpable tension is visually represented with dim, atmospheric lighting and tight shot compositions. This exclusivity of space intensifies the suspense and claustrophobia, mirroring the guests' escalating fears and suspicions.

Director Danielle Harris shows a deft hand at combining the elements of horror, suspense, and humor, showcasing an unique fusion of different genre elements in an innovative vein. Rachel Belof's editing is top-notch and carries the scandalous revelations and shocking twists seamlessly. The production design by Megan Areford, setting the film in an ornate and eerie ambience, also deserves a special mention.

The backdrop of 80's retro adds a touch of nostalgia and effectively contrasts the dark storyline, enhancing the overall visual appeal of Among Friends. Moreover, the performances are all compelling, each character dealing with individual internal conflicts which adds depth to their roles and helps the viewers connect on an emotional level, while never completely letting go of the fear and anticipation.

Blending together the thrilling elements of tension, surprise, uncertainty, and fear, Among Friends will keep you engrossed until the very end. This film is certainly worth consuming if you're a fan of horror intertwined with dark humor and resonant characterization. However, be warned, it may make your future friendly dinner parties seem a little more ominous!