Night of the Axe (2022)

Directed by Shawn Wright [Other horror films: N/A]

While a rather simplistic movie in many ways, Night of the Axe is an indie slasher that made me a happy lad, and what it might lack for in budget and special effects, it makes up for in heart.

In the vein of independent slashers such as You’re Not Getting Out Alive and Don’t Go to the Reunion, and even non-slashers like Vampire Ticks from Outer Space, Night of the Axe is a very simple movie. It’s a short one too, running at just over an hour. The special effects are minimal, the story is somewhat thin, and the performances are so-and-so. It’s not a movie for those who haven’t delved into independent horror, but if you have, it can be a rather fun time.

Sure, the performances can be shaky, but that’s just how independent films be. Honestly, most of the cast did fine. We never really learned much about the characters, but they could be reasonably fun, but that may be because half the characters were stoners, and I appreciate that lifestyle. Shawn Mongold had some quality vibes to him, Justin Sisk had a good, straight man feel to him, and Angel Nichole Bradford brings some of that flesh to the table. Others that are worth a mention include Amanda Megan, Tony Giannott, Gary Carper, Lera Savannah, Kaci Frick, and Nate Nelson.

Given the film is about a hulking escaped mental patient with an axe, there is some gore here, the best of which may be early on when someone’s arm gets lopped off. However, we also have someone’s brains burst from their head, another individual’s head gets stomped on, someone gets beaten with a hammer, and a simple, yet effective, axe to the face. Look, this is a low budget movie, so don’t expect any of these kills to look great, but I found that most were serviceable.

I also should mention that I enjoyed the synth music of the film. It felt like a retro throwback to the slashers of old, and I appreciated that. They even had a song during the end credits titled “Beast on the Loose” (performed by Black Phantom), which, while not great, reminded me of the theme-songs from Madman and My Bloody Valentine.

Oh, and the last sequence entirely cribs Halloween, which amused me.

It’s clear when you start this up that they knew exactly what type of movie they were making, and if you’re into indie horror, than I think you could have a good time with it. If indie horror’s not something you’ve had much experience with, though, I think it’s safe to say that this movie may not be for you. Personally, though, I found Night of the Axe quite fun.

7.5/10