'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Haunt Season (2024) is not just another slasher flick. Released on October 4, 2024, with a VOD debut set for October 8, 2024, this film may first seem like any other horror film but has a deeper core. The film revolves on a haunted house attraction and the crew behind-scenes, shortly to be haunted themselves by a real killer.
At first glance, Haunt Season might feel predictable — a group of young people working in a spooky attraction, unaware of the true danger they face. However, Jake Jarvi’s approach introduces layers of drama that sets it apart from typical horror films.
The film is more about the lives of its characters than the kills, with each scene exploring the mundane realities of their world. But does that make it any less of a horror movie?
Trending
The review of Haunt Season paints a mixed picture. While it has some strong performances and an intriguing plot, it may not fully satisfy those looking for traditional horror thrills. The film attempts something new, yet not everything fits perfectly. Let’s dive deeper into what works and what doesn’t.
The official synopsis says:
"A masked maniac targets cast members at a suburban Halloween haunt attraction, turning their staged injuries into gruesome real-life horrors. As the terror escalates, the lines between performance and reality blur."
Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.
The unconventional storyline of Haunt Season
Haunt Season opens with a typical horror movie setup: a killer in a haunted house attraction. The film quickly introduces us to Matilda (Sarah Elizabeth), a drama school graduate struggling with life. When Matilda takes over for a missing coworker, we learn that her predecessor was actually the movie’s first victim, killed by a mysterious masked figure.
What follows is an odd mix of horror and drama. The film’s pacing is unusual, with the usual chase and kill scenes feeling rushed. Instead of focusing on building suspense, Haunt Season dives deep into the personal lives of its characters. Matilda's journey, her struggles and her relationships take center stage.
There’s also plenty of social commentary, from body image discussions to reflections on the fear of life after college.
This shift makes the film feel more like a character-driven drama than a traditional slasher. Fans expecting a bloodbath may feel disappointed, as the horror elements often take a backseat.
When the horror fails to scare
Haunt Season lacks the slow build-up of anxiety you would find in a slasher film, even if it features some tense scenes. Early on, it reveals the killer's identity, removing most of the suspensefulness. Although creative, the kills themselves cut short, leaving viewers wanting more. Every attack seems to stop suddenly; the camera shies away from the blood.
Jarvi is obviously trying something different, but that's not always the case. Although they clash with the horror scenes, the drama-heavy parts in the movie are intriguing. That produces a movie that doesn't really know what it wants to be — part slasher, part introspective drama.
The movie also pays homage to venerable movies like Scream by heavily drawing on vintage horror. Still, these references seldom always land. Haunt Season seems jumbled at times, without a strong storyline to link everything together.
The cast and their performances
One area where Haunt Season excels is its cast. Sarah Elizabeth leads the film with a believable performance as Matilda. She’s relatable, capturing the uncertainty of a recent graduate unsure of her future. Her portrayal grounds the film, making her character’s emotional struggles feel real.
The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Cydney Moody, who plays Celeste, brings a unique energy to the film with her character’s unapologetic personality. The chemistry between the cast members helps elevate the film’s quieter moments, creating a bond that makes you care about their fates.
The production and direction
Jake Jarvi’s direction in Haunt Season is ambitious. The film’s low-budget roots are evident, but Jarvi makes the most of it, crafting a story that feels intimate.
He’s clearly passionate about the characters, and this passion shows in the quieter moments. However, his attempt to merge drama and horror doesn’t always work, leaving the film feeling uneven.
The production itself is solid. The haunted house setting is well-executed, with enough detail to immerse viewers in its world. The costumes and makeup help to create a believable horror atmosphere, even if the scares don’t always deliver.
Haunt Season is a film that tries to balance drama and horror but doesn’t succeed entirely in either genre.
Its character development and performances define its best points, but the lack of suspense and hurried horror scenes overcomes these aspects. Although viewers seeking something different would find it appealing, the lack of scares would let down hard-bitten horror fans.
