The metal band Jump Scare goes to a remote cabin to write a new album following their reunion. Once there, they find out that what led to their falling out with each other is still there, but something much worse is lurking.
Written and directed by Donnie Hobbie for whom this is a first feature film; Jump Scare is an interesting take on the blood-thirsty backroads hillbilly family with a band of ladies at the center of it all, making it harder to guess who the final girl will be. The writing here is decent, and the direction brings it to life. It does take a while before things get bloody for those looking for the red stuff, but once it kicks in, a few scenes really, truly deliver with more fake blood than one really needs. However, is there ever too much of the good stuff in these types of films? The film here doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but there is plenty of fun and entertainment to be had, so it’s easy to forgive the more predictable scenes and sequences.
The cast here works great with each other but mostly against each other as everyone seems to hate each other from the start, giving a more catty vibe than a close friends reuniting vibe which works here given the film’s subject matter and how it is approached. The whole cast here works really well for their parts with a few shining bright including Shannon Dang as Kye, someone most would not want to spend time with due to her attitude, but Dang does great work here with the part. Joining her and shining as well is Erin Ruth Walker as Jen and Natasha Estrada as Karen. They both bring very different vibes to their parts, and they really help bring the whole film together. For those playing the Where’s Eric Roberts This Week game, this is it. Come look for him and do not blink or you’ll miss him.
The look of the film here is a major part of everything with cinematography that plays with aspect ratios and with interesting lighting and framing. The work by Seth Macmillan really shines throughout the film showing a willingness to explore and have fun while also showing a good understanding of what works and what can really elevate a film like this. The editing by writer-director Donnie Hobbie works well with these images, giving them time to establish the mood, play with the viewer’s expectations while also not letting the scenes overstay their welcome.
Jump Scare does not contain many actual jump scares from a horror standpoint, but this does not mean it’s not fun and entertaining. This is one of those films that comes under the radar and is a good surprise. The writing and direction work well together, the characters are people you would not want to spend time with, but they work for the story here. The cast is solid and the cinematography is great. The blood is plentiful for those looking for some of the good red stuff.