Spotlight Feature Films, Lucky 13 Productions, and 3 Feathers Film present the Friday the 13th-inspired slasher/survival thriller Weekend Deadaway, starring Shoshanna Withers and Nickie Kruszynski. A PG-13 cut of writer/director Clinton J. Phillips' horror movie premiered on Friday the 13th of September 2024.
THE PLOT:
"A couple of city hipsters feel like they are just working their lives away and have forgotten how to enjoy life. After some consideration, a tight group of friends decides to go to a rental cabin in the countryside for a weekend away. Little did they know that life as they knew it was forever to be changed. While on their weekend getaway, they can enjoy many property amenities, including off-roading, fishing, nature trails, star gazing, and simply enjoying the peacefulness of the countryside. Shortly after arrival, they realize things are pretty different than expected, which will forever change their lives."
Here are five reasons why you should watch Weekend Deadaway:
5) The Cast!
The ensemble cast does a great job of standing out with their different personalities. Viewers can distinguish them by their relatability. Addison (Shoshanna Withers) is easygoing and funny, while Lux (Emily Sue Bengtson) is all bubbly, and Ryder (Nickie Kruszynski) is more serious-minded. There is a fantastic scene - with all the female protagonists on a hiking trail - that allows the characters to just vibe and the cast to show off their chemistry.
4) The Camerawork!
The cinematography by Gabriel Jung makes excellent use of its forest setting while paying tribute to past horror flicks. When Addison (Withers) stands near the lake during the moody night, she turns her head, the static shot recreates a moment from Psycho. Kudos to Jung for lighting the night scenes in a way that audiences can actually see what's going on in the dark. Seriously, you don't get a lot of well-lit scenes these days, especially with indie darlings.
3) The Suspense!
I am not a fan of PG-13 horror movies, like The Fog remake and Tarot. Bunch of cheap knockoffs I tell ya! Thankfully, there's an exception here. Writer/director Clinton J. Phillips avoids shaky-cam and aims for suspense as the body count starts. Luckily, when the kill scenes cut to black, I don't feel ripped off but more interested in how the whole sequence came out. Dollars to doughnuts, I'm betting the upcoming R-rated cut highlights the gore effects.
2) The Standouts!
By the end of the movie, I was impressed with how Withers stood out as Addison, especially with her humor and natural charisma. I dug Kruszynski's engaging performance and hope to see her in another movie. Give them their flowers!
1) A Fun Flick!
Weekend Deadaway offers fun thrills and slasher suspense across the wilderness. I'm looking forward to the R-rated cut when it premieres Halloween 2024.
