Everything Old Is New Again
MOVIE REVIEW
Snow Falls
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Colton Tran
Writer(s): Luke Genton, Colton Tran (story,) Laura M. Young (story)
Cast: Victoria Moroles, Anna Grace Barlow, Johnny Berchtold, Jonathan Bennett, Patrick Fabian
Where To Watch: Available on Digital and On Demand January 17, 2023
RAVING REVIEW: This feels like something we’ve seen before, but with a new twist. The potential was there for more of a thriller than a horror film, but the unknown added an intriguing twist. I wish that they had explored that further.
The latest horror offering from the independent film scene, SNOW FALLS, presents a compelling concept but fails to realize its potential fully. Stranded in a snowy wilderness, a group of characters is plagued by strange occurrences that leave them questioning the nature of their reality. While the idea of the "entity" at the story's center is intriguing, the film falls short in its execution.
One of the most egregious issues with SNOW FALLS is its haphazard tonal shifts. The film switches between severe tension and comedic relief, leaving the audience unsure how to react. This lack of commitment to a consistent tone detracts significantly from the overall experience.
Another major problem is the underdeveloped nature of the characters. Despite a talented cast, the script fails to give them much to work with, making it difficult for the audience to invest in their survival. Additionally, the scares in the film are lackluster and entirely predictable.
I’ve always supported working within your means, especially in horror. As a horror film, it's painfully slow-paced and lacks the scares that genre fans have come to expect. Furthermore, the film's budget constraints are all too apparent. If you want to do something but can’t afford it, find another way or cut it altogether.
In the end, SNOW FALLS is a missed opportunity, with a promising concept that must be revised in its execution. This ambiguity is frustrating and leaves the audience with more questions than answers.
Overall, SNOW FALLS is a film that will likely disappoint most mainstream horror fans. With a concept that promises so much, it's a shame that the film fails to deliver on its potential. The talented cast and intriguing premise are not enough to save this film from its many shortcomings. Unless you're a die-hard horror fan and want to check out all the new horror films, I recommend skipping this one. If you’re a fan of B horror that have intriguing concepts, it may be worth checking out.
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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]
This sounds like an amazing and refreshing horror movie! Definitely throwing it at the top of my list! I will update once I watch it!
I haven’t seen the movie but even with the negative feedback and the way the author describes the film, I still want to see it!
With Everything old just like Texas Chainsaw Massacre it is new again as of 2022.
I totally agree with you on this I didn’t make it halfway through the movie before turning it off
Haven’t seen yet but will give it a try. I’m not real hard to please.
It sounds like you have mixed feelings about the film. While you found the potential for a thriller intriguing, you also felt that the horror aspect could have been explored further. It’s possible that the film didn’t fully meet your expectations, but it sounds like you found it to be an interesting and thought-provoking experience nonetheless.
That’s pretty much dead on, there was so much there with potential, but every time I turned around, it was letting me down again. Overall though it was still enjoyable (wasn’t a pain to sit through.)
I think I may skip on this one. I love a good stranded at a cabin movie. Classic. But if they weren’t sure on their intended mood for the movie. I don’t think I will be able to really keep my attention focused. I think some directors want to use that mood shift chaos to create drama. But often times it just falls flat.