Murder University

Murder University is an engrossing horror-comedy released in the year 2012, directed by Richard Griffin and penned by the screenwriter Lenny Schwartz. It features notable performances by Samantha Acampora, David Adams Murphy, and Dave Almeida. Set in New England, the film presents a distinctive blend of classic thrills, adolescent adventure, and dark comedy. This chilling narrative unfolds at the fictitious 'New England University' as a series of harrowing murders given the provocative title 'Murder University'.

The storyline of Murder University vibrantly mixes the elements of horror, suspense, mystery, and humor. We are introduced to Joshua Greene (played by Jamie Dufault), a survivor who manages to evade a bewildering night of terror only to be struck by an unimaginable tragedy the very next morning. Joshua, traumatized and bereft, decides to flee home and enrolls in New England University to start a new phase of his life. However, unbeknownst to Joshua, the tranquility of the university campus is merely the calm before the storm, a false facade that would soon be smeared with bloodstains.

Here's where Samantha Acampora steps in as the fearless and determined 'Meg', who teams up with Joshua and the stoner Scott (Michael Thurber) to crack the mystery of the recurring murders. Their unified efforts result in them unearthing the university's shocking past connected to a cult from the 1970s and its deranged leader named Cyrus. Presence of this figure, delivered with a predatory intensity by David Adams Murphy, drenches the story in dread, elevating the suspense to nail-biting levels.

Dave Almeida delivers a convincing act as a hard-boiled and relentless detective Derwood, adding more spice to this cinematic brew. However, the murders continue adding up, creating a clear, visible tension among the students who have become the audience to this deadly spectacle.

What unfolds is an intriguing, gruesome voyage of fear, pursuit and bouts of unexpected humor within the walls of 'Murder University'. The screenplay elegantly weaves together the contemporary and the flashbacks, knitting a tale that brings the terrified young adults face to face with the bestial instincts of a cold-blooded cult led by a psychopath.

The film doesn't shy away from flaunting its low budget, which actually magnifies its charm. Rather than relying on the sheen of expansive sets and expensive visual effects, Murder University stands on the strong pillars of script, performance, and direction. It manifests a unique aesthetic that is reminiscent of '80s style horror cinema, replete with its raw cinematography, intense gory sequences, practical makeup effects, and lurid colors in each frame, evoking an era of stylish and memorably grim horror movies. Director Richard Griffin holds the reins tight, balancing out the various elements to maintain an eerie aura, interspersing it with well-timed humour to release the pressure valve now and again.

However, the film is not just about spilling blood. At its core, it is about the protagonists' struggle to survive, their battle against fear, their quest to unearth the truth. Samantha Acampora’s Meg comes into her own here; her character arc beautifully tackles the themes of bravery and self-discovery amidst escalating chaos. Acampora's performance anchors the film, adding gravitas to the narrative, from the investigation scenes to the intense encounters with the murderers.

If you're a fan of retro-style horror movies or someone who is looking for an entertaining horror-comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously but still delivers on the scares, Murder University promises an engaging watch. It offers genuine horror, a sprinkle of dark humor, a well-woven plot, compelling performances and an ambience that will take you back to the golden age of slasher movies. As the mystery flips open layer by layer, the escape from the blood-soaked hallways of Murder University renders some unusual heroes, turning any sense of safety into an illusion. This gripping journey of survival, fear and revelation at 'Murder University' will leave the audiences guessing till the very end.