Mixed Performances in Indie Horror Effort

Read Time:3 Minute, 56 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Stalker –
The Stalker: Part II –

Genre: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 2020 / 2023
Runtime: 1h 1m / 52m
Director(s): John Giorgio / Michelle Lewis, Jared M. Reeder
Writer(s): Jimmy Ace Lewis, Michelle Lewis
Cast: Troy Fromin, Chad Ayers, Virginia Vogt, Jimmy Ace Lewis, J. Gaven Wilde, Matthew Ewald, Cody Howard, Triston Dye / Jason Faunt, Sean Michael Nugent, Carl Bailey, Vincent Triana
Where To Watch: available now on Tubi The Stalker here www.tubitv.com also available on Amazon, Roku, and YouTube, and The Stalker: Part II here www.tubitv.com also available on Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube movies

RAVING REVIEW: With THE STALKER and its follow-up, THE STALKER: PART II, the cast and crew ambitiously attempt to revitalize the unique charm of 80s slasher films. Through the lens of the beleaguered Hamilton family, these films aspire to blend nail-biting suspense with a nostalgic nod to a bygone era of horror. Despite a commendable effort and a surprisingly appealing visual presentation, both movies wade through a murky plot that often loses its way, making this duo a case of missed potential rather than a triumphant revival of the golden age of horror.

In THE STALKER, Giorgio's directorial hand focuses with a penchant for crafting visually compelling scenes that aim to deepen the mystery and tension inherent in the narrative. The thoughtful composition and engaging use of settings invite viewers into a more interactive experience, urging them to piece together clues alongside the protagonists. However, this promising build-up frequently gets bogged down by an overload of dialogue and side plots that detract more than they add to the central story.

The Hamiltons are at the saga's heart, whose journey is supposed to be driven by financial desperation and a murky legal battle. Yet, these elements often feel tacked on, failing to enhance the story's depth or engagement. Despite this, there's a noticeable effort to keep the audience engaged with a fast-paced storyline and a shroud of mystery that does well to obscure the antagonist's identity until the critical moments. Especially considering both films run just about an hour each.

THE STALKER: PART II broadens the narrative, introducing a mix of dark comedy. However, this sequel struggles with maintaining momentum, occasionally veering into caricature and losing the sinister edge vital for a slasher film. The cast in both films delivers a range of performances, from the solid and believable to the overly dramatic, which, while diverse, sometimes undermines the film's attempt at a coherent tone.

The film's surprising production values can only partially compensate for the narrative and pacing shortcomings. The directorial duo of Michelle Lewis and Jared M. Reeder hints at a grander vision constrained by indie limitations in the sequel; the inconsistent acting and dialogue that only sometimes land as intended ultimately are the nails in the coffins for these indie horror homages.

Collectively, THE STALKER series introduces exciting concepts to the slasher genre, with the initial film setting a solid foundation of suspense and its sequel experimenting with genre blending. Nevertheless, both films hint at what could be a more polished and compelling narrative in potential future installments. The odyssey of the Hamilton family, through a gauntlet of fear and mystery, aims to capture the quintessential thrill of horror. Yet, it often leaves viewers yearning for the solid execution and unforgettable impact characteristic of the genre's classics. While the series marks an intriguing foray into horror, its execution falls short, reflecting a journey that occasionally sparkles but fails to engage or terrify consistently.

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[photo courtesy of SHORELINE TRACE PRODUCTIONS]

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