MOVIE REVIEW
Replicator
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Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Mark Andrew Hamer
Writer(s): Mark Andrew Hamer, Russ Lindway
Cast: Brey Noelle, KateLynn E. Newberry, Jim Azelvandre, Brian Spangler, LeJon Woods
Where To Watch: on demand December 10, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In the quaint setting of a small town where virtues are few and far between, the film REPLICATOR explores a dark and gripping narrative that takes the classic horror plot of alien body-snatchers and gives it a fresh, contemporary twist. Darby Vincent is at the core of this eerie tale, played with fierce determination by Brey Noelle. As a public defender, she navigates a landscape teeming with moral difficulties, exacerbated by the disturbing transformation of the town's less savory characters. Under the direction of Mark Andrew Hamer, the film spins a web of supernatural suspense, questioning the price of righteousness in a world riddled with corruption. Honestly, I thought I knew what I was getting into here, and I had no clue; film is a medium you must experience to understand fully! No guessing allowed!

As the plot thickens, REPLICATOR ventures into the unsettling reality of modern small-town America, rich in themes of moral decay and the quest for redemption. The film, however, sometimes loses its tempo, lingering at a pace that might test even the most patient viewer. Subplots occasionally seem like afterthoughts, tacked onto the main storyline, hinting that more stories may have been left on the “editing room floor.” I don’t know if this is the case, but it felt like something else was there!

The stellar cast does a great job of enhancing the story. Jim Azelvandre delivers a standout performance as Darby's father, evoking the audience's disdain and adding a complex layer to the film’s emotional dynamics. KateLynn E. Newberry, as Neila, commands every scene she's in with a magnetic presence. At the same time, Noelle's portrayal of Darby may be the most intriguing and unique of the bunch!

A definitive highlight of REPLICATOR is its remarkable use of practical effects, led by the renowned David Greathouse. His skill in creature design and special effects makeup brings a fear that harkens back to the golden age of horror cinema. These meticulously crafted effects are a figment of imagination and a horrifying reality, enhancing the film's atmosphere with gore and delightfully grotesque details.

The film's deliberate slow-burn approach may not be for those who expect instant results in today's modern horror genre. It’s a personal preference for sure; I could see an argument for either side. The buildup of tension in this film is palpable. I, for one, didn’t used to enjoy slow-burn horror, but my tastes have evolved over the years to the point where I think it adds so much to the experience!

REPLICATOR boasts an intriguing premise and some solid performances enriched by top-notch practical effects. The film offers enough for horror fans who value character-driven stories and the art of practical effects, but it may not be for those who pursue nonstop thrills in their horror. The sink scene will likely forever stick out in my mind as one of the most intense buildups I remember seeing!

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[photo courtesy of CRANKED UP FILMS, GOOD DEED ENTERTAINMENT]

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