Slasher Movie 'Night of the Reaper' Fuses Retro Aesthetics with a Baffling Enigma
The small town of Willowbrook is the setting for the latest chilling addition to the horror movies genre, "Night of the Reaper." The film, set in the early 1980s, is marked by the era's Pat Benatar bangers on MTV, providing an authentic backdrop to the unfolding terror.
At the heart of the story is Sheriff Rodney "Rod" Arnold, played by Ryan Robbins, who finds himself investigating a string of mysterious packages and clues related to a killer terrorizing the town. As he delves deeper into the case, his unprofessional conduct increases, leading him on a macabre scavenger hunt that threatens to unravel his sanity.
The film's central mystery revolves around the message being sent by someone through these packages. The investigation reveals another death in the recent past that is personal to Sheriff Arnold, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
"Night of the Reaper" is more than just a horror movie. It's a horror whodunit, with a plot that is more intricate than a typical horror movie like "House of the Devil." The film's influences are clear, with "Halloween" serving as the main inspiration, and found-footage horror and other horror series like "Scream" also making an impact.
The film uses camcorders as a key plot device and a stylistic influence. The opening credits feature static "tracking" lines reminiscent of VHS tapes, adding to the film's nostalgic charm.
Deena, played by Jessica Clement, is the film's main character. She agrees to watch the local sheriff's son for the night when his high-school best friend gets sick. As the night unfolds, Deena finds herself in the midst of the town's dark secrets and must uncover the truth before it's too late.
Summer H. Howell delivers a standout performance as the first victim in the film. Her portrayal of Carrie White in Mike Flanagan's "Carrie" series is a testament to her versatility as an actress. Jessica Clement's performance as Deena is also notable, as she navigates the tension and dread building in both her story and Sheriff Arnold's story.
The film's final reveals are somewhat talky, but they provide a satisfying conclusion to the mystery. With its blend of horror and suspense, "Night of the Reaper" is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film streams on Shudder starting September 19.
