Humongous

Release in 1982, "Humongous" is a Canadian slasher horror film that offers an engaging blend of thrills and shudders, deftly navigating the conventions of the genre. Directed by Paul Lynch who is well known for his work in the horror genre, the movie features Janet Julian, David Wysocki, and John Wildman in key roles. Set on a secluded island with an ominous past, the film draws its horror pedigree from its atmospheric setting, gripping narrative, and chilling character interactions.

The plot of "Humongous" revolves around a group of friends who find themselves marooned on Dog Island following a yachting accident. Janet Julian plays the role of "Sandy", one of the survivors, who is determined to keep the group safe and hold out until they are rescued. David Wysocki as "Eric" and John Wildman as "Nick", joining her in the lead roles, also bring depth and tension to their characters making the plight of the group increasingly realistic and nerve-wracking.

The desolate island, however, hides a dark secret. Eerily deserted, it is a place marred by a gruesome incident that happened years ago. This mystery, rapidly unraveled since their arrival on the island, instills the film with a lingering sense of dread and an intensifying fearsome presence stalking the newcomers. The manifestation of this lurking horror adds a compelling dimension to the narrative, triggering suspense and anticipation as we watch the terrified group tries to survive.

In "Humongous", director Paul Lynch excels in creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the film. His astute use of night scenes and effective exploitation of the remote island's dark woods and deserted structures significantly heightens the suspense, focusing on the unseen terror lurking in the shadows rather than resorting to graphic visual effects. It is as much a psychological thriller as it is a horror film, keying into the primal fears of isolation, the unknown, and the lurking dangers of the night.

The performances of the cast are another highlight of "Humongous". Janet Julian's portrayal of Sandy is one of the film's strengths. She transitions with ease from the initial phases of trauma and shock to a strong-willed survivor, subtly exhibiting her character's resilience and courage. David Wysocki and John Wildman don't lag far behind, complementing Julian with commendable performances that embody the escalating fear and desperation of the group.

One of the key elements that makes "Humongous" stand out from many of the typical horror films of the time is its focus on a steadily building narrative tension rather than overt gore. The film manages to create a sense of terror that thrives within the viewer's mind, heightening the tension with every passing frame, largely relying on elements of mystery and psychological horror.

Of course, it wouldn't be a horror film without some gory elements, and "Humongous" does not shy away from them. Still, it employs these tactics judiciously, using visually disturbing scenes to punctuate the narrative with selective visceral impact. The film's score also contributes to the building tension, emphasizing the suspenseful plotline and accentuating the adrenaline-fueled horror that pervades the screen.

In summary, "Humongous" is a gripping horror film that effectively employs a system of slow-burning suspense intermingled with intuitive character development and selective use of gory elements, all set against the background of a desolate, haunting location. The plot, although seemingly simple, is enriched by enthralling performances and an escalating sense of dread that lives long after the film ends. For fans of the horror genre, especially the suspenseful and atmospheric subcategory, "Humongous" could prove to be an engaging waiting disaster - a trip to a forsaken island that they will not forget.