The R.I.P Man Review
Independent horror at its finest with a pulse, showcasing a solid cast and creatively effective villain that has a lifelong reason for his power-tool affiliated serial killing spree.
Opening scene is reminiscent of classic Scream (1996) with the sublime August Porter, as Abigail being terrorised by the eerie The R.I.P Man hovering around her home inside and out. The snarling or smiling, dressed in black full bodied-spectre of albino-like appearance is all gums and attitude who enjoys pulling teeth from victims to position within his own mouth.
Throughout the film he continues to collect his own set of pearly whites from individuals and leaves his calling card of chattering toy teeth. Although forensics cannot initially pick up much, detectives successfully trace back to the killer’s identity as Alden Pick (constructively played by Owen Llewelyn).
Amongst an array of prominently younger targets for Pick is Clarissa Staunton (Jasmine Kheen) who is having relationship impasse whilst being terrified that Rip Man is on the loose bumping off her mates. Relationships of the friend group are not annoying, each with variable, believable personalities. Generally all good actors.
Other particularly interesting cast members include Bruno Cryan (Popeye’s Revenge) as Jaden and James Wingate (Bogieville) as Alfie Pick, relative to the killer and a proprietor of what looks to be from what you can see on the shelves in the background, a pop culture store nerds paradise.
Multi talented filmmaker, writer, director Jamie Langlands also has an extended cameo as Investigator Townsend on the trail of the mysterious teeth extractor.
Jamie’s previous film The Cellar (2024) an exciting, analytical, moody horror mystery starring Meghan Adara and Sophie Flack (both also appearing in The R.I.P Man) continues to make an impact globally and is a must see, confirming Langlands as a indie auteur.
There’s a scene in a live music venue with presumably local Sussex band, Outpost 3 performing, looks like a fun time was had by all filming that day and their songs are enticing enough.
I spotted a sign behind them ‘Cellar Arts Club’ maybe a Langlands easter egg?
This continues his stylised horror trajectory, it has high emotional threads of creativity and somewhat meaningful dialogue that often comes back as a clue.
Slow by design, gore aspects are shocking, minimal too, not overused for cheap thrills, thankfully leaving some things to interpretation including a cryptic finale.
Probably not for everyone’s taste, the emotional side of the killer is told to differentiate between regular murderers on a spree in horror films. Owen Llewelyn uses eye movement, weird sound and lumbering movements (mostly) he proves to be agile when required, all to full effect. As an antagonist, it works.
The R.I.P Man is worth your time and an undeniable effort put in by all involved.
★★★
Out on Digital HD from 12th January \ Owen Llewelyn, August Porter, Jasmin Kheen, Maximus Polling / Dir, Jamie Langlands \ Reel2 Reel Films \ 18
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