Haunt-tober 2024 is here and it’s time to dive into the macabre, the strange and the frightful during this beloved time! Join me as I spend the month discussing new and classic films.
Don’t you love an entertaining jaunt that features a great cast and an even better creature? That’s Splinter.
Polly Watt (Jill Wagner) and boyfriend Seth Belzer (Paulo Costanzo) are celebrating their anniversary. When their plans to camp outside change, they decide to check into a motel.
On their way, they’re carjacked and kidnapped by wanted criminal Dennis Farell (Shea Whigham) and Lacey Belisle (Rachel Krebs), who take them to a local gas station. What’s waiting there though, is much worse.
Director Toby Wilkins creates a lively horror that maintains suspense despite its one location setting. These characters, forced to work together despite their differences as something more insidious looks to take them over, are all fascinating and entertaining.
Kai Barry and Ted Kroeber penned the script which incorporates flashes of humor, sweetness and a clear humanity. The cast is excellent and have a rapport that makes it easy to take the journey with them, maneuvering the high stakes and shifting threats.
And as I said, the creature creation is great. A splintering parasitic black goo that spreads over its host and animates it.
Splinter is a treasured gem for me. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but is efficient in capturing its horrific intent.
Stay tuned for more Haunt-Tober!
What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
Wonderfully Weird & Horrifying 