stevesinger-2001

As "Gates of Flesh" begins, we see a group of four young people running into a building, desperately trying to escape some form of plague or something that is raging outside. A quick flashback gives us some backstory, and then the rest of the movie, we see the group trying to figure out a way to escape and also deal with the possibility that one of them has fallen victim to whatever is out there...

As mentioned in my title, "Gates of Flesh" is actually a pretty effective knock-off of "The Evil Dead." It's nicely claustrophobic and creepy, and even when you are settling into it, the movie throws you some curve-balls that you likely won't see coming. For a low budget film, lighting and sound is pretty good, the cast of unknowns does a pretty nice job with the material, and the makeup is pretty outstanding for the budget.

Solid recommendation for this little horror flick.

Indie horror is having a renaissance these days, and "The Fetus" is a wonderful addition to it! The story begins with Alessa (Lauren LaVera from "Terrifier 2 & 3") and Chris (Julian Curtis) discover that Alessa is pregnant. Chris is less than thrilled, but Alessa is totally freaked out because she thinks her body is different and won't react normally -- and, no surprise, she is correct! She insists that they go see her father (Bill Mosely, almost unrecognizable behind a bushy beard) and so off they go...

"The Fetus" fires on almost all cylinders. It's scary, gory, gruesome, a little funny... everything you'd want from a little indie horror flick. The acting is top-notch -- Bill Mosely is, as always, wonderful and Lauren LaVera continues to be a revelation in everything she's in. It was nicely original, took some twists and turns I didn't expect, which is always so refreshing. And even for such a low budget film, the practical special effects were a hit.

If you're an indie horror fan -- and if you're not, you should be -- check out "The Fetus" when you get a chance!

"Mother Maker Lover Taker" starts with two women (no names, just referred to in the credits as "Maker" and "Lover") in a loving relationship, and part of their conversation is that Maker's mother was a type of "witch," which they both laugh about. But it turns out that Lover has some mental issues and commits suicide, leaving the Maker devastated. In her grief, she decides to try to raise her lover from the dead, with unexpected consequences...

Wow, it's been a long time since an unknown movie blew me away like this one did. I strongly recommend avoiding the trailer since it gives away too much, and I'm not going to spoil it here. Just about everything about the movie works -- technically, it's a marvel, with an ongoing effect that looks like it is in a movie with 10 times the budget. The plot plays with our expectations, it teases that it's going to go into a familiar direction and then steadfastly refuses to do so. The acting is exceptional, with the two lead actresses Birdie Shine and Emma-Kate Barry giving outstanding performances. Barry in particular is fantastic in her role, she is an actress to keep your eyes on. The only real issue I have is the ending which is just sort of... there...

I always love when a low budget flick blows me away. Highly recommended!