The cover/poster was very unnerving and the advertising likewise. Really liked the concept too, not an original one perhaps but it sounded really intriguing and was already admiring it tackling a heavy and daring theme that resonated with me, having been badly bullied myself. All those things were enough to make want to see it.
'Some Kind of Hate' turned out not to be a great film, there are issues here. But for a low-budget horror recent viewing as part of one of my many quests recently, 'Some Kind of Hate' is easily up there with the few ones that was actually decent. When it comes to the reviews, can see both sides, found it to be a film with obvious strengths but also one that is easy to find fault with. Am one of those whose feelings are mutual, but admired what it set out to do, it doesn't waste its idea and its tackling of the theme was brave.
Lets start with the good things. 'Some Kind of Hate' looks good, there is a sense of dark unsettlement, some very creepy gore and make-up, the editing was at least cohesive and the photography not trying to do too much but having enough to stop it being static. The music is suitably ominous and there is tension, creepiness and suspense when the film gets going. The second half is very unnerving and boasts some well-timed and inventive kills.
The acting is much better than average, with the standout performances coming from Grace Phipps and especially Sierra McCormick, the latter being both frightening and poignant. Did find myself identifying with Lincoln, having been a bully victim and being introverted, though Moira is more interesting and should have had the bigger focus. Was at least engaged for much of the duration, had no trouble understanding what was going on, was emotionally invested and at no point was my intelligence insulted.
As aforementioned, there are drawbacks too. The first third is a bit slow and ordinary, it could have gotten to the point quicker and had less of the slightly dull setting up. The script is quite a big weakness, it is not always easy to take it seriously, there is some awkwardness and cheese and it could have been tighter.
It is agreed that some of the film does get silly, didn't buy some of the victims/bullies' reactions before their fates, no sense of genuine fright and with a too "trying to make conversation at a reunion" chemistry, that does undermine the build up somewhat. The sound quality is not always well balanced with it tending to favour the music. Would have liked more development to the characters, only Lincoln and Moira are developed quite well while the others are fairly sketchy despite the film doing a good job making one hate them.
All in all, better than expected though not without things to criticise. 6/10 Bethany Cox
