With the forever talk of the glory years of 80s’ dominating just about every other conversation between horror fanatics, there has been a substantial lack of true 80s’ style horror through the last decade. Current big releases have made it almost illegal to feature nudity, practical effects, and just some fun run of the mill plots. Enter writer/director Steve Wolsh, with his throwback style slasher, Kill Her Goats. Does this film take us back to yesteryear where horror films could just be a simple fun time to watch some eye candy get cut to pieces or will this be another film that does not deliver the D-cup goodies.
Shortly after graduating college, Audra moves into a home that was purchased for her by her parents. The home, located in West Craven, is a stunning cape cod that sits along the shores of the Atlantic. The home also harbors the horrifying legacy of the Tupp family, whose dark legend has haunted the area for over three-hundred years. Audra’s friends, Reese and Missy, come over for a long weekend to celebrate Audra’s new acquisition. Audra’s besties are the only ones who are excited for her, as the locals are not too thrilled with anyone without the last name Tupp dwelling in the house of horrors. As the wine spills through the night, the three girls suspect something sinister surrounding the house. Their suspicions are correct as the trio are attacked by maniacs adorning goat mask. Audra fights to save her friends and home while trying to uncover the mystery as to who is the man behind the mask.
If The Slumber Party Massacre and Hatchet had a film baby, that child would be Kill Her Goats. Creator Wolsh promised a slow burn slasher with plenty of flesh to admire before it is shredded, and he delivered. The practical effects used during the kills are fantastic. Two kills in particular look like they were pulled from the late 70s’ slasher days when audiences might well have believed that the performers were actually being harmed. Wolsh uses the stunning setting of summer on the shore in the Northeast to full effect by matching the natural beauty of the area with his attractive cast. The plot, while jumbled at times, harkens to a simplistic era where viewers did not have to sit in a coffee shop for hours to dissect the meaning of the film. Though touted as a slow burn slasher, the film does suffer in the second act. Cutting the ninety-nine minute run time down twenty minutes could probably have done wonders for the pacing of the film. Kill Her Goats never apologizes for what it is, nor should it. If you like to have a beer and watch films like Feast and The House on Sorority Row, you will probably enjoy Kill Her Goats. If you prefer wine while viewing Midsommar and Hereditary, you will probably not enjoy Kill Her Goats. At the end of the day, and for the first time in a long time, the Horror Nation gets a film that can be viewed for exactly what it claims to be. A mind-numbing trip through the cape, with some slick kills, nude sultry women, and a new horror icon that tears through tanned flesh with reckless abandon.
Scream Score: 7.6/10