The film follows Samantha, played by relative newcomer Jocelin Donahue. Samantha's a college girl who needs some cash to essentially get the hell out of her messy dorm, and needs said cash to also buy a house. Something most people can relate to I bet. One day, she sees an ad on the local job board looking for a babysitter. Despite some objections from her friend Megan, she figures it couldn't hurt and takes up the offer. When she arrives to her destination (which is also the night of a full lunar eclipse), she slowly starts to discover that something is amiss with her clients.
I first heard of this mostly through word of mouth and through a couple of people I'm subscribed to on YT (i.e. BloodtypeOnline) and it has a remarkably strong word of mouth. Thankfully, the film lives up to the hype, but in a way I didn't really expect. The film is shot, and even looks like, something straight out of the mid to late 70s. It's a lot quieter and slower than what most modern horror fans might be used to, taking it's time to set up it's rather creepy and effecting final act instead of just rushing you instantly into the insanity...so to speak.
It isn't a very bloody film, save for a few parts, but it shouldn't be bothersome to some of the more open-minded horror fans. The acting is quite good too, with great performances from the previously mentioned Jocelin Donahue and Tom Noonan, who most people will recognize from Manhunter and The Monster Squad. It's shot rather well, and features a sparse, but pretty chilling soundtrack.
I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It definitely isn't for everyone, especially those who can become quickly impatient with their horror, but those of you that are, you're in for a nice treat. Kind of a shame that Ti West ended up following this up with Cabin Fever 2, but even has denounced that mess.
Tomorrow, I go back to hell (sort of) and check out Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth.
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