Bastard

Bastard from 2015 is an indie film that takes the horror and thriller genres and turns them upside down by incorporating clever takes on typical components of a slasher film. The movie unravels against the backdrop of a secluded mountain town where everyone seems to be harboring secrets and traumatic pasts.

The narrative revolves around five strangers, whose lives intersect in a cinematic journey of bloodshed and mystery. Written by Patrick Robert Young and directed by Powell Robinson and Patrick Robert Young, the movie features powerful performances from Rebekah Kennedy, Ellis Greer, and Dan Creed, along with an ensemble cast.

The film opens up with newlyweds West and Hannah, portrayed by Dan Creed and Ellis Greer, respectively. They are both running from an undisclosed criminal past and are desperate to start a new life together. They arrive in the secluded mountain town, hoping to find solace and anonymity. Greer's portrayal of the conflicted but hopeful Hannah is spot-on, while Creed captivates as West, a man on a mission to protect the woman he loves.

Another key character is Betty and her simple-minded younger brother Jacob, portrayed by Kennedy and Burt Culver, respectively. They are also trying to find a fresh start in this town after enduring years of abuse. Culver offers an intriguing portrayal of a man exhausted by years of neglect, while Kennedy captivates audiences as the protective older sister who will stop at nothing to ensure her brother's safety.

Performed convincingly by Tonya Kay and Will Tranfo, Rachel and Michael are final two players in the narrative. They are a love-struck couple who consider running away together. Rachel is a local cop, torn between loyalty for her job and love for Michael, whereas Michael is an impulsive young man who doesn't want to live a mundane life.

When the paths of these five characters converge, brutal murders begin to happen, laying the groundwork for a suspenseful and gut-wrenching tale of survival. What makes Bastard different from a typical slasher movie is its focus on deep characterization. Each character has a well-developed backstory that is gradually and impressively revealed as the movie progresses. The five main characters struggle for survival, unraveling not only the dark secrets of the town but their past as well.

The narrative doesn't shy away from the graphic depictions of violence, making it an edge-of-your-seat thriller. As the plot thickens, we start to question the real victims and culprits in this twisted tale. The suspense is executed deftly by the directors, staying captivating without compromising on the horror elements.

In addition to the suspense and horror, Bastard explores themes of love, redemption, and the human struggle against one’s darker nature. With the ethereal mountainous backdrop and wide camera angles, cinematographer Ryan Hendrickson creates an eerily aesthetic atmosphere that enhances the mood of the horror-thriller.

Moreover, viewers may find the film satirical, subversive, and sometimes surprisingly humorous in its depiction of horror genre standards with the introduction of unpredictable twists and turns. It gives the narrative a more complex and layered perspective rarely seen in horror movies.

The spine-chilling music score by Kyle Hnedak adds to the suspense, enveloping the viewer in a shadowy atmosphere and making them restless yet eager to know what will happen next.

Bastard pushes the envelope of classic horror and thriller genres with its unconventional storytelling, blended with skillful direction and strong performances from the cast. It has the fast pace of a typical slasher film but follows its own set of rules, leaving the audience gasping and guessing at every turn. The film premiered as part of the 2015 After Dark Film Festival, marking a high point in independent horror cinema.

Overall, Bastard is a classic horror-thriller amalgam that is just as gripping and suspenseful as it is thought-provoking. Provocative, violent, yet unexpectedly poignant, it leaves audiences questioning the true nature of fear and survival. With strong performances and a tightly woven plot, it offers a unique take on the horror genre.