I Will Dance On Your Grave : Killing Spree

I Will Dance On Your Grave: Killing Spree from 1987 is an American low-budget horror film directed by Tim Ritter. This independent slasher flick stars Asbestos Felt, Courtney Lercara, and Raymond Carbone. Despite being widely unknown, the movie has achieved a cult status among fans of low-budget and B-grade horror movies for its surprisingly efficient use of limited resources, over-the-top gore, and bizarre but engaging storyline.

In the lead role is Asbestos Felt, playing an easily manipulated and intensely jealous airplane mechanic named Tom Russo. Felt delivers an unforgettable performance, swinging wildly from subtly threatening brooding to intense bursts of psychopathic violence. He masterfully weaves an intricate character that strikes an odd balance between terror, pity, and the occasional bout of dark humor.

Courtney Lercara exemplifies the 80s horror movie heroine in her role as Leeza, Tom's new wife. She's charming, beautiful, but also has a mysterious past that involves a long list of former lovers. The role demands a delicate balance between innocence and intrigue, and Lercara effortlessly rises to the occasion, serving as the perfect foil to Felt’s Thorazine-fueled frenzy.

Similarly memorable is Raymond Carbone in his supporting role. Carbone delivers a solid performance, putting his own unique spin on the rather troubling best friend character, who is the first to suspect that something isn't quite right with Tom.

The plot of the movie is rooted in paranoia, which is fueled by intimate deceit and spirals into pure madness. After finding his wife's diary, which is filled with erotic tales of her past lovers, Tom is consumed by jealousy and goes on a killing spree, convinced that his wife's former lovers are out to steal her away from him.

The storyline has a strange pull that even the most hardened horror fans may find themselves unable to resist. It doesn't shy away from extreme moments of violence and horror, and its plot is punctuated with shockingly gruesome special effects that remained impressive within its budget.

Although the movie was made on a shoestring budget, it is a testament to the creativity and dedication of its crew. The cinematography is suitable for the genre, being grainy and somewhat unpolished, which ironically lends to the authenticity and charm of the film. The settings are creatively used and help enhance the overall uneasy, gritty feeling that the film does so well to establish.

Director Tim Ritter remarkably makes the most out of what was available. He constructs a narrative that is both absurdly hilarious and deeply chilling at the same time. This juxtaposition, though unusual, results in a captivating atmosphere that complements the movie's unpredictable storyline.

As far as the sound and music go, the movie delivers an on-the-nose 80's synth-horror score that easily gets under your skin, enhancing the overall gloomy vibe that permeates throughout it.

I Will Dance On Your Grave: Killing Spree is not for the faint-hearted or those who prefer their horror served with lush production values and mainstream appeal. It is a flamboyant display of low-budget cinema at its most outrageous and creative, filled with shocking moments, tension-ridden suspense and an unrelenting atmosphere of fear that rewards those who dare to watch. It stands as a remarkable relic from the creative wasteland of the late 80s’ indie horror, serving up a unique blend of madness, murder and gruesomely dark humor.