New Year's Evil

New Year's Evil is a gripping horror-thriller movie released in 1980, featuring Roz Kelly in the lead role and supported by Kip Niven and Chris Wallace. This startling cinematic experience was directed by Emmett Alston and written by Leonard Neubauer. This cult classic has since become a considerable part of the distinct slasher film genre that became popular during the late 70s and early 80s.

The film follows the exploits of an iconic television personality named Diane "Blaze" Sullivan, played by Roz Kelly. Blaze is a popular punk rock and new wave show host on a nationally televised program. As she embarks on a televised New Year's Eve countdown, welcoming in the New Year with live broadcasts from across different time zones in America, she becomes entangled in an intrigue far more ominous than regular show business drama.

As the cameras start rolling, Blaze receives a phone call from an ominous stranger who goes by the moniker "Evil." The terrifying creep, with a disturbingly distorted voice, vows to commit murder when the clock strikes midnight in each time zone. At first, Blaze and the crew consider it to be a twisted prank, but it soon becomes horrifyingly real when "Evil" consistently follows through with his promises, leaving a trail of brutal murders. The chilling realization slowly unfolds that their television show has become the backdrop of a bizarre and brutal killing spree.

Kip Niven delivers a riveting performance as Richard, the estranged, complex, and somewhat disturbed husband of Blaze. His character offers an eerie subplot to the unfolding horror that only amplifies the tension to a greater degree. Chris Wallace also impresses with his portrayal as Lieutenant Clayton, the determined cop tasked with unraveling the identity of the psychopath and putting a stop to the brutal killing spree.

New Year's Evil is a distinctive blend of thriller and slasher genres, amplified by its unique countdown premise tied to the turn of the New Year. It also uses its musical backdrop, featuring palpable punk rock and new wave influence, to establish an atmospheric urgency and suspense, melding the vibrant soundtrack and grim proceedings for a memorable impact.

The movie was shot in and around the Los Angeles area, and the production design and cinematography distinctly encapsulate the cinematic pulse of the late 1970s and early 80s. This is visible in its raw yet stylized depiction of the burgeoning punk rock scene of the era, intimately marrying the subculture with the narrative.

Director Emmett Alston creates a skilful balance between tension and spectacle, leveraging suspenseful sequences and shocking reveals while maintaining the focus on the relentless countdown to horror. Despite taking place mostly at night, the movie's lighting design enhances the eerie atmosphere rather than obscuring the action, allowing the audience to fully partake in the unfolding audacious horror.

The script by Leonard Neubauer is taut and inventive, using the countdown structure as a ticking time bomb, amplifying the tension as the audience is drawn deeper into the horror. Neubauer makes full use of the horror genre's conventions while adding his unique spins and red herrings to keep the viewer guessing the killer's identity and motive. The dialogue is sharp, infused with some dark humor and unpredictable twists, ensuring that every moment is filled with nerve-wracking anticipation.

Despite being a product of its time, New Year's Evil has aged quite well, largely because of its strong performances, unique narrative structure, and atmospheric soundtrack. Roz Kelly delivers a powerful performance, brilliantly depicting the fear and anxiety of a woman thrown into a nightmarish situation she never anticipated.

Overall, New Year's Evil is a unique and engaging roller coaster ride of a movie. The film continues to maintain its popularity among horror-thriller aficionados, looming large as an enjoyable slasher film from a golden age of horror. This is a must-see classic for fans of the genre and offers an intriguing way to ring in the New Year - but maybe not for the faint-hearted!