Directed by Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel, ‘Deadgirl’ is an impressive horror film which presents some very interesting ideas. The film shows two best friends, both of whom react very differently to an incredibly unexpected situation. A lifetime friendship is broken by the way that the two teenage friends respond to the situation they find themselves in, and the film presents a very clear battle of wills. The two friends appear to respond very differently to the situation, just how different are they though when it ultimately comes down to it?
‘Deadgirl’ tells the story of Rickie and JT, and how skipping school one day changes their lives forever. Heading to the old abandoned mental asylum, Rickie and JT wreak havoc as they drink, smoke, and just generally trash the place. Deciding to explore, the two friends come across a dog deep down in the asylum, and as they get away they end up running into something that they’d never, ever expected. There’s a naked woman, chained up to a table and covered in plastic, deep in the depths of the asylum, and both friends have very different ideas about what they should do. Rickie’s immediate reaction is to inform the authorities of what they’ve found, JT meanwhile isn’t so certain that’s the best option, and whilst Rickie decides to leave; JT remains alone in the asylum with the deadgirl.
What happens beyond this point is what makes ‘Deadgirl’ so interesting, and never is the film in the least bit predictable.
‘Deadgirl’ will at times make you cringe, and at certain points you just won’t be able to stop yourself from looking away. It shocks, it scares, and it’s just a very interesting look at a strange situation, and people’s different responses to it. A seriously disturbing film to watch, ‘Deadgirl’ has some very impressive qualities as a horror, with the only real weaknesses of the film perhaps in the factor of the unrealistic nature of the situation, the freeness with which certain people adapt to it, and what some of the characters resort to here. It’s certainly a strong film, but what many of the very greatest horror films tend to have in common is the fact that they really could happen.
Some of the acting quality is supremely strong here, with Shiloh Fernandez (Rickie) and Noah Segan (JT) in particular putting in some hugely believable performances. They play their parts well, with their characters developing powerfully throughout the film. Wheeler, played by Eric Podnar, is the stereotypical teen stoner character, and the jocks also are fairly generic horror favourites; the performances of Shiloh Fernandez and Noah Segan are both brilliant though, and theirs are the characters that we spend the most time with.
Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel are both relatively new to the world of directing, watching ‘Deadgirl’ you can tell that both have a clear passion for film though, with the film always packed full of energy and excitement. You really do feel that the directors believe in their work here, and full credit must also go to Trent Haaga for being the film’s writer.
‘Deadgirl’ is a film that plays out well on screen, and although it takes it’s time to really get going; once the action gets started, never does the film let up for a second. The beginning of the film serves to show us Rickie and JT’s status as the high school outcasts, and we’re then treated to some fine horror display as the true action of the film unfolds. It’s a quality effort from the directorial duo of Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel, and although not perfect; ‘Deadgirl’ is a film that is definitely well worth watching for fans of horror. It’s not your typical throwaway teen horror, but instead is a film that will no doubt stay with you for a long time to come.
Special Features:-
– Commentary With Cast and Crew
– Behind The Scenes
– Make-Up Effects Gallery
Rating:
UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.
