PopHorror Let's Get Scared
One of the best feelings is getting to screen a movie before its initial release and absolutely loving it. I can admit the good ones are sometimes hard to come by. Enter: Ruin Me.
The things I look for in an independent horror film in order for me to gush about it:
- Is the script/story original?
- Would I want to see more from the screenwriters and directors?
I can set aside sub par acting for an amazing script. I can set aside feelings of low budget quality if I can see the vision they set out to do. Watching Preston DeFrancis‘s 2017 film Ruin Me, not only did I get an amazing story and amazing cinematography; I got pretty decent acting! Suffice it to say, I am pretty impressed. Let’s break down why I think you all need to check out Ruin Me as soon as you get the chance!
Official Synopsis for Ruin Me
Alexandra reluctantly tags along for Slasher Sleepout, an extreme event that is part camping trip, part haunted house, and part escape room. But when the fun turns deadly, Alex has to play the game if she wants to make it out alive.
What Works
I absolutely love the premise of Ruin Me. Trysta A. Bissett and Preston DeFrancis know how to give the horror fans what they want with a fan-fucking-tastic script. Ruin Me has so many horror movie references that will make horror genre buffs cringe in delight! Seriously, what horror fan wouldn’t jump on the bandwagon to go be part of a killer-themed weekend? (Raises my hand proudly). Marcienne Dwyer and Matt Dellapina helm the two leads of the cast and are non stop fun throughout the whole film.
Chris Hill, Eva Hamilton, John Odom, Sam Ashdown, Cameron Gordon, Rocky Rector, Tom Harryman, and Alex Galick round out the rest of a just about perfect ensemble cast. They all play off each other’s strengths and it is a blast. I see why this film has won so many awards on the film festival circuit. Ruin Me is not your average run of the mill, ‘whodunit’ slasher flick. It digs deep and takes you somewhere completely unexpected. Although there is a lot of humor to be had in this film, man that ending was dark.
What Doesn’t Work
I really did have a lot of fun with this one. I understand why there isn’t a ton of blood and gore. On one hand I think it could have made some scenes more impactful. On the other hand, it’s not really necessary. There’s a rhyme and a reason for everything done in this film. I can appreciate that. I’m very satisfied with this film as a whole.
Ruin Me Final Verdict
Ruin Me just might ruin your brain. I think that’s what it sets out to do. If you are a fan of slashers with psychological horror elements, Ruin Me is absolutely the film for you! It sets itself apart from other features that are out right now and gives the viewers what they want without having to wait for that slow burn pay off. The whole movie is a thrill ride from start to finish!
Well? What are you waiting for? Go watch Ruin Me!
