A Vacation You Won’t Forget

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MOVIE REVIEW
8 Found Dead
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Genre: Horror, Thriller, Independent
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): Travis Greene
Writer(s): Jonathan Buchanan
Cast: Aly Trasher, Alisha Soper, William Gabriel Grier, Eddy Acosta, Rosanne Limeres, Tim Simek, Nancy Linehan Charles
Where To Watch: select theaters and VOD on September 8, 2023; on digital in the UK October 23, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Brace yourself for a desert journey where sun-kissed sands morph into shadowy realms of suspense: 8 FOUND DEAD is your wild ride that may be a one-way trip. You might walk into this film thinking it’s another tale of vacationers seeking solace in an idyllic desert landscape. Yet, what unfolds is an adventure where every twist and turn keeps you on the edge of your cinema seat!

Kudos to Travis Greene and Jonathan Buchanan, the duo steering this ship. They’ve meticulously constructed an ambiance where every hush is as unsettling as any commotion. The narrative invites you into the world of two unsuspecting couples seeking relaxation but instead finding themselves in the eerie company of Richard (Tim Simek) and Liz (Rosanne Limeres.) These mysterious ”guests” have perplexing ties to the vacation spot, and their introduction spins the tale into a web of anxiety.

The story starts with anticipation as the digital-savvy soul Sam (Alisha Soper) has something big in store for her beau, Dwayne (William Gabriel Grier,) and pals, Carrie (Aly Trasher) and Ricky (Eddy Acosta.) But the serenity of golden-hour desert hues soon shifts as the enigmatic antics of Richard and Liz unfold. Their unpredictable claims about the place and their cryptic demeanor heighten the intrigue.

As the narrative weaves further, we meet Jessie (Jenny Tran). Her well-intentioned efforts to tidy the remnants of past tenants plunge her into the residence’s eerie narrative. Cleaning up can sometimes stir a whole storm of chaos!

Crafted with panache, 8 FOUND DEAD dances away from conventional storytelling. Greene and Buchanan toss the audience into a vortex of time shifts and cryptic hints. Instead of a straight-lined tale, viewers get a jigsaw of events, urging active engagement and speculation.

Amplifying this engaging narrative are the stellar performances of Simek and Limeres. Their portrayal of Richard and Liz offers a mesmerizing contrast to the modern flair of the younger cast. Their presence raises questions about the age-old dance between tradition and modernity, adding layers to the suspense.

While 8 FOUND DEAD strives for distinction, it occasionally veers off course. The bold storytelling gambles sometimes lead to some head-scratching moments. But the core of 8 FOUND DEAD? It’s the reshaping of horror realms. Forget paranormal beings; the spotlight shines bright on the mind games and relational rifts that evoke true terror. The key takeaway? The most intense frights stem from the complexities of human dynamics.

While some scenes could use a sharper edit and transitions could be smoother, the overall experience is tantalizingly gripping. Minor glitches outweigh the rush this cinematic experience delivers. 8 FOUND DEAD dares to delve into the intricacies of human ties as the natural source of fear, pushing viewers to reconceptualize the horror genre.

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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals’ extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I’m steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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