PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I really enjoy horror movies that involve Halloween and Isleen Pines is definitely fits that criteria, involving a town attacked by aliens on Halloween night.
Synopsis
A group of friends get together for their annual Halloween party, but soon find their wild night interrupted by mysterious visitors.
Isleen Pines was written and directed by Matthew Festle and Alexys Paonessa. The film stars Naiia Lajoie, Doug Deng, Jackson Turner, Glenn Plummer, Jeremiah Benjamin, Alan Maxson, Justin Armao, Scott Alan Ward, Brian Bell, August Kyss, Michael Della Pia and Matthew Festle.
What Works
Isleen Pines makes the most of its budget, containing it’s story to a couple of isolated locations. The film was a lot of fun, watching this group of friends on their last Halloween together trying to survive alien invaders. I thought it was a nice touch that no one in the film has a name, just the character of their costumes such as The Witch, The Zombie and The Vampire.
During the prep party segment it was cool to see the friends interacting and bonding. It makes what happens carry some weight to it. The film askews digital effects and goes all practical, which makes the film stronger. There are some nice kills and gore to be had, including a triple impaling. I really liked the look of the alien. It was definitely something I haven’t quite seen before. It was nice seeing Saw 2‘s Glenn Plummer make an appearance.
What Doesn’t Work
Isleen Pines takes most of its runtime for the lead to make it to the party. Sure we see the party from other characters’ points of view throughout, but the lead doesn’t make it there till right before the credits roll. The climax is actually intercut with the credits. We don’t really get to see the final battle because the film ends right before it hits, which I’m guessing is a set up for a sequel.
Final Thoughts
Isleen Pines is a fun, if uneven, Halloween set alien film. The film has some cool characters, solid kills and nice gore but comes up a little short when it comes to the ending. Still a fun watch and I would definitely check out a sequel. Recommended.
Isleen Pines is available on Tubi.
