Helloween Review
An interesting indie achievement with various layers of identity and freak show quota regarding fear of clowns, better known as coulrophobia.
Apparently there was a ‘killer clown craze’ in 2016 that I knew nothing about consisting of people dressing in obscure, demented, scary clown paraphernalia who creeped around jump scaring unsuspecting random people. Helloween has taken that premise deciphered as the basis to this thriller written / directed by Phil Claydon stretching it out into serial killer territory.
The expanding talent of remarkable British actor, Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott is in fine, full force here as Dr Ellen Marks, a sincere criminal psychiatrist teaming up with stoic journalist John Parker (Michael Pare) to investigate an attachment between a incarcerated clown-faced weirdo Carl Cane, who’s potentially linked to current murders.
Complicating matters is that Dr. Marks’ family is also involved, her daughters are part of the despicable clown hit list.
By design, the gruesome, blood laced shocker of a plot moves in calculated variable patterns to keep one thinking in place of constant splashes of gore, something I appreciated, it being suspense driven with durable character development.
Cane as portrayed by quality actor Ronan Summers (American Assassin, 2017) is an absolute maniac, painted face, growling and scheming all sorts of threatening behaviour in and out of his cell. A terrific villain and besides memorable Sothcott, exudes attention throughout and a highlight.
Retro star and a presence in his own right, Brooklyn boy Michael Pare ( Streets of Fire, The Virgin Suicides, Bad Moon) has good chemistry with star Jeanine, as they embark together into a horrific cat & mouse journey. The carnage around them is compelling. Journo Summers is an enjoyable factor to the story, a veteran actor going about his business on screen, Pare is always a draw in any film.
Helloween is quite the achievement, not pretentious. Effort in production design and free flowing actors involved giving it all.
An ultra low budget used to full effect across all aspects from cinematography, locations, music and a sense of terrifying fun to watch. Cane may not be completely original as a nightmarish figure, influences are apparent but still work. Still, if you are scared of clowns in general Carl Cane should now be on top of that list. Another bonus is his voice.
It’s that time of year when scary movies or horror related content is in abundance, your Halloween viewing choice should include Helloween.
★★ 1/2
On digital platforms from September 29th / Ronan Summers, Michael Pare, Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott, Caroline Wilde, / Dir: Phil Claydon / Trinity Content Partners / 15
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