Written by: Ryan Dailey
Butchers debuted on the Telluride Horror Show (Shelter-In Place Edition) in October of 2020. In these trying times, where major Hollywood productions are faced with delays due to world events, it is good to see that not only are small, independent festivals are alive and kicking, but the films that populate them are thriving as well. And not only are they thriving, but filmmakers are putting out quality pieces of cinema to populate said festivals.
Adrian Langley’s Butchers is a fairly strong entry into the “homicidal hillbillies’ prey on a group of 20-somethings after their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere” subgenre. The movie stars Simon Phillips, Julie Mainville, Anne-Carolyne Binette, Michael Swatton, James Hicks, Frederik Storm and Nick Allan, and there is really no weak link in this chain. Each and every one of these actors turn in very commendable performances and the cinematography is top-notch, even by industry standards. The spirit of all the similar types of movies that came before is not only captured well, but the audience can almost feel the love and care poured into this love letter to horror.
The year is 1998 and a pair of teens are on their way back from a birthday getaway for Jenna (Julie Mainville). There is a very awkward love triangle going on amongst the teens, making for a very tense car ride. Jenna’s boyfriend Mike (James Hicks) is cheating on her with Jenna’s friend, Taylor (Anne-Carolyne Binnette), who had a relationship with Chris (Fredrik Storm). Before the tension in the car can reach a boiling point, the car’s radiator blows, effectively stranding the teens and eventually forcing them to split up.
This film sets up the atmosphere perfectly from the time it begins until the end credits roll. It perfectly blends the gritty style of Tobe Hooper, yet somehow has a more “polished” feel of a James Wan film.
All in all, Butchers is a solid entry into the horror genre, not only for Simon Phillips’ portrayal of Owen, but for what Adrian Langley brings to the table with his directorial prowess.