Camp and Carnage in Equal Measure

MOVIE REVIEW
Die'ced: Reloaded
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Genre: Horror, Slasher
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 21m
Director(s): Jeremy Rudd
Writer(s): Jeremy Rudd
Cast: Eden Campbell, Jason Brooks, Nigel Vonas, Jon Meggison, John Karyus, Esha More, Lee Raymond, Shayna Jensen, Amy L. Erickson, Marie Bergenholtz, Scott Mullet
Where to Watch: a limited theatrical run beginning August 8, 2025, and on August 12, the film will be available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand (VOD)

RAVING REVIEW: There’s a reassurance in the chaos of a slasher film that knows exactly what it wants to be. DIE’CED: RELOADED doesn’t try to be the definitive genre title—it simply leans into what works: blood, retro vibes, exaggerated villains, and a final girl worth rooting for. Set in 1987 Seattle but filtered through a fog of modern horror, this reimagined expansion of Jeremy Rudd’s viral short film DIE’CED plays like a lovingly demented mixtape of every scarecrow-stalking, asylum-escapee, neon-soaked nightmare that haunted the late VHS era.

The setup is as simple as it is effective: Benny, a serial killer with a gruesome past, “escapes” a high-security institution on Halloween night, donning a scarecrow mask as he cuts through the suburbs like a corrupted myth come to life. His target? Cassandra, a young woman, is unwittingly tied to the origins of his madness. As Benny slashes his way closer to her, the streets become a stage for a blood-slicked spectacle, complete with throwback fashion, glowing city lights, and a killer who never overthinks his weapon of choice.

Rudd’s direction thrives in the murky space between homage and evolution. He isn’t trying to outdo the classics, but he is trying to inject new blood—literally and figuratively—into a genre he respects. From the very first kill, it’s clear Rudd understands horror’s balancing act: the violence is grotesque, the setups are deliberately drawn-out, and yet there’s a tongue-in-cheek sensibility that keeps the film grounded in fun rather than nihilism. It knows it’s ridiculous at times. That’s half the charm.

Eden Campbell brings needed significance to the role of Cassandra. She’s not just another potential victim waiting to scream and run. Her performance has a lived-in quality, grounding the supernatural elements in real emotional stakes. Meanwhile, Jason Brooks as Benny is more of a physical presence than a layered character, which feels deliberate. Benny doesn’t need nuance. He’s an idea, a monster from a corrupted bedtime story, and the less you know about him, the scarier he becomes.

Still, there are moments when the film’s low-budget roots peek through. While the visual effects carry a nostalgic kick—reminiscent of DIY splatter flicks from the 1980s—the acting can veer into overly theatrical. Some supporting performances land closer to camp than menace, creating a dissonance that occasionally breaks the film’s otherwise confident facade. If you're in the right mindset, though, that mismatch becomes part of the experience.

The biggest asset, by far, is the sound. Night Wolf’s synth-heavy score and the curated needle drops lend the film an undeniable atmosphere. DIE’CED: RELOADED sounds like a lost cousin to some of the past's bests—the kind of movie you’d stumble upon in a rental store on a Friday night, rent because of the cover art, and find yourself genuinely surprised by. The music keeps the tension high even when the pacing wobbles. It helps disguise some of the limitations in scope and polish, giving the film a pulsing, dangerous energy.

What makes this film work—despite any flaws—is its absolute commitment to the aesthetic. The scares are effective, but it’s the world-building and mood that will stick with you. There’s a deliberate grittiness to the cinematography, a hazy sheen that matches the era and amplifies the sense of dread. Everything looks like it could be happening in a dream—or more appropriately, a late-night horror marathon watched through half-closed eyes.

It’s made for genre fans, and it delivers on exactly what it promises: blood, chaos, killer style, and just enough character to keep you engaged. There are moments where the story teeters on formulaic. Still, it compensates with energy, affection for the genre, and a few unexpected stylistic choices that elevate it above the typical homage. If there's a next chapter for Benny, there's room for growth—especially with stronger performances from the surrounding characters and a slightly more inventive narrative. For now, this is a satisfying slash of nostalgia. It’s messy, loud, and more fun than it has any right to be.

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[photo courtesy of AVE ONE ENTERTAINMENT, DREAD, EPIC PICTURES]

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