Human Race, The (2012) d. Hough, Paul (USA)
In a premise resembling a hybrid of Stephen King’s The Long Walk and Battle Royale, a broad racial/cultural cross-section of an unnamed metropolitan populace are spontaneously abducted, reappearing in a bleak and barren landscape save for a sidewalk leading in, around and through a few deserted structures. Then the “rules” start echoing in their heads and it’s every individual for themselves until a single survivor remains.
Those who read Mitch Davis’ write-up or witnessed the evening’s live intro to Hough’s feature debut might be forgiven for thinking the enthusiastic Fantasia organizer was indulging in just a smidge of hyperbole. But truth be told, this is an extremely effective high concept thriller that belies its budgetary constraints with those all-too-rarely-used secret weapons: strong characters and fine acting.
Filling out the latter category are Altered’s Paul McCarthy-Boyington, real-life amputee Eddie McGee, Trista Robinson, T. Arthur Cottam, and Fred Coury. Hough is clearly interested in examining perceived disabilities, as several of his strongest characters possess some physical hindrance yet easily overcome their able-bodied opponents. (McGee is a particularly charismatic breakout, the absence of his left leg only heightening the character’s heroic actions.)
In spite of some purist-offputting CGI gore f/x, this is an impressive debut from a welcome new voice in the horror ether.
No comments:
Post a Comment