Hide and go shriek

Hide and Go Shriek is a thrilling 1988 horror film directed by Skip Schoolnik. The film stars Bunky Jones, Brittain Frye, and Annette Sinclair and is an engaging blend of horror, mystery, and suspense that leaves the audience on the edge of their seat. The film effectively incorporates elements of the teen slasher genre popular in the 1980s, presenting a unique and riveting narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

The film introduces a group of recent high school graduates who decide to celebrate their newfound freedom in an unusual and thrilling way. The young people, full of bravado and the recklessness of youth, decide to spend the night in a furniture store owned by the father of one of their own, aiming to have an unforgettable graduation night party. Stars Bunky Jones, Brittain Frye, mannequins, and Annette Sinclair shine in their roles as the daring, spontaneous, and somewhat naive teenagers who are looking for a good time, only to find themselves in a horrifying ordeal that they could never have imagined.

Interestingly, Hide and Go Shriek uses the tricky concept of mannequins to build up an ambiance of fear and eeriness. The film's setting in a furniture store after dark reinforces the sensation of creeping dread throughout the film. The way that director Skip Schoolnik uses the impeccably dressed mannequins, the lighting fixtures, and the elaborate furniture displays to cultivate fear successfully exudes an atmospheric tension that doesn't let up as the plot unfolds.

As the night progresses, the movie spirals further into the depths of horror as an unseen stalker begins to cast a menacing shadow over the group's party. One by one, the friends begin to disappear mysteriously, leaving the rest to grapple with growing fear and shock as they try to figure out who, or what, is picking them off. As feelings of safety turn into anxiety, the friends question everything and everyone around them, as they try to save themselves from a nightmarish scenario they never expected to encounter.

Bunky Jones offers a compelling performance as the tough yet sympathetic leader of the group, while Brittain Frye turns in an emotionally layered portrayal of a character torn between loyalty, fear, and shock. Annette Sinclair plays her character with an appealing blend of vulnerability, bravery, and a dash of teenage wilfulness.

However, Hide and Go Shriek is not merely a derivative slasher film. The plot is well-crafted, offering several twists and turns that help to maintain a sense of suspense throughout the story. The film skillfully builds tension as it progresses, heightening the danger and stakes for the group of friends with each passing scene.

One of Hide and Go Shriek's stand-out features is its unique and eerie soundtrack, which adds to the chilling aura of the film. This coupled with the film's captivating cinematography and atmospheric lighting, makes it memorable for audiences. The close-ups and low-angle shots intensify the suspenseful moments, while the killer's perspective shots sketch an authentically spine-chilling feel to the movie.

The pacing of the film is also commendable. Never lingering too long nor rushing through vital scenes, it ensures the viewers are engaged from the beginning till the very end. Owing to the director's expertise, Hide and Go Shriek makes excellent use of misdirection, creating an inescapable feeling of tension.

In summation, Hide and Go Shriek is a solidly entertaining 80s horror offering. It may follow some genre conventions but manages to approach its material in a unique and inventive manner that sets it apart from many other films of the era. With commendable performances, immersive camerawork, and a captivating soundtrack, the film manages to hold its own in the pantheon of late 80s horror cinema. It's a must-watch for both hardcore horror fans and newbies to the genre, promising both entertainment and suspense in equal measure.