Slaughter Drive

Slaughter Drive from 2017 is an offbeat, cheeky, and twisted indie horror movie that effortlessly blends levity with dread. It was directed by Ben Dietels, who also stars in the movie along with Seth Gontkovic and Nikki Howell.

The film tells the story of Doug, a washed-up former child star, portrayed brilliantly by Ben Dietels, who is trying to launch a comeback. Fate, however, decides to test him in the most horrific and unusual way possible. Deciding to document his journey back to stardom, he recruits his stepbrother Steve, played by Seth Gontkovic. Together, they embark on a filming odyssey that eventually leads them to a deserted road known locally only as 'Slaughter Drive.' Little do they know, this drive will forever change their lives.

As they delve deeper into the forested area surrounding Slaughter Drive, Doug and Steve encounter strange occurrences – deadly animals that shouldn't exist in the area, mysterious disappearances, and other spine-chilling incidents. An ominous sense of foreboding seeps into the tone of their production, however, the two decide to soldier on with the filming, believing that the frightening incidents would only enhance the appeal of their documentary.

Doug and Steve also involve an enthusiastic amateur actress called Jane, played by Nikki Howell, to spice up their film and introduce a feminine touch. The trio then stage various scenes that are supposed to solve the mystery of the area, but instead, end up pulling them even deeper into the enigmatic and eerie world of Slaughter Drive.

Yet more altogetherness aspects of the movie are its cinematography and music. The slightly grainy texture of the film, mixed with the sometimes-psychedelic soundtrack, collectively bring on a nostalgia trip that harks back to classic 80s ensemble horror films. The director, Ben Dietels, also deserves commendation for his bravery and ingenuity, as well as his tangible enthusiasm during this project. His role as Doug is not only impressive but brings an element of believability to the narrative.

Seth Gontkovic's portrayal of Steve is equally compelling to view. Playing a man caught up in the thrilling, yet horrifying world dominating his stepbrother's visions, Gontkovic delivers an excellent performance, instilling the right balance of apprehension, intrigue, and comical relief in the scenes.

Meanwhile, Nikki Howell shines as Jane, the only female in a largely male-dominated narrative. Jane's role seems secondary initially, but Howell's brilliant performance slowly brings out the depth of her character. The result is a fascinating, multi-faceted character who constantly surprises the audience.

Slaughter Drive does not shy away from its indie nature or attempt to pretend that it's a big-budget horror movie. Instead, it embraces its low-budget roots and uses this to its advantage. It swings between satire, subtle humor, and genuine horror elements, in ways that will keep you invested and on the edge of your seat.

The film also manages to instil a sense of reverence and homage to the horror genre, avoiding unnecessary reliance on gore or conventional horror tropes. Instead, it emphasizes on the psychological horror aspect, using suspense and mystery to its benefit.

All in all, Slaughter Drive is a unique, albeit unorthodox, film within the horror genre. It might not appeal to everyone, but for those with an appreciation for indie productions and a strong narrative, it's definitely worth the ride.

A word of caution, though: although this movie entertains, it also terrifies and indulges viewers in ways too uncanny for comfort. Buckle in for the most horrific drive of your life with Slaughter Drive, but remember, you've been warned!