Dead Shack (2017)

Decided to watch something recent for a change of pace, so checked out Dead Shack which is streaming exclusively on Shudder currently.  I went into this completely blind, and had actually never heard of it beforehand. So I randomly chose it off a quick browsing of Shudder exclusives (They have been doing good on their exclusive acquisitions so far).  I was pleasantly surprised by this one!

Dead Shack is a fun little movie, it doesn't take itself too seriously for the most part.  Do appreciate also the film not being overly cheesy like many other recent horror comedy offerings that often go off the deep end with being too silly.  The film has a very likable cast, and it's main stars are the trio of teenagers who do a great job of not being annoying, but keeping the movie fun.

That's not coming out

The basic premise follows the common family trip out to a cabin in the woods setting for a weekend getaway.  Things go wrong when they encounter the neighbors who just happen to be killer cannibals and the kids are forced into action to defend themselves.  The movie is pure simplicity and it may sound boring, but the movie is kept fresh by the cast's banter.  Kids in movies are always hit and miss, but thankfully here the kids feel natural in their dialogue.  They trade barbs with each other and even when it gets heavy the kids always keep a more light hearted tone.  The movie does get gorier and more violent as it progresses but it keeps up the comedic undertone throughout.  The weakest part of the film if anything has to be when it gets too dark.

Dressed for battle

The kids on the cast are joined by the hilarious parental figures who spend most of the movie being drunk.  Donavon Stinson who plays the dad is a highlight with his comedic quips.  Dad and and his girlfriend get wasted, which doesn't help with country side cannibals, but it sure adds to the fun.  The movie's tone shifts the further along it builds on the gore and violence.  Dead Shack shifts into some dark territory in it's final 15 minutes.  Mentioned it already, but this maybe is the one weakness of the movie, as the film for the most part has a fun nature to it and almost feels like it should have stayed that way and avoided some heavy subject manner.  This is highlighted by the film coming off as not taking it's own subject matter too seriously, and it makes parts of the ending awkward.

Dead Shack is an entertaining film that is well made, and elevated by the the actors fun performances.  Now this movie really doesn't do anything really new, and to some it may seem a bit too simple but the execution is solid. The soundtrack is also excellent and follows the popular trend of 80's style synth that sounds like it riffs on Stranger Things' opening.  Streaming exclusively on Shudder, I would definitely recommend checking it out right away if you signed up or did their free 30 day trial!  Doubt the movie will build up much of a following, but I would definitely recommend it!