Movie Review: ‘Last Straw’ – A Refreshingly Nostalgic Slasher Horror.

Slasher horror films, in my opinion, are among the most popular subgenres of horror. They captivate audiences with their adrenaline-fueled suspense and bloody theatrics. You would think they are easy to make, given their formulaic nature, but it is rare to see one that dares to stand out or adds a touch of creativity, especially in its portrayal of gore. That’s where director Alan Scott Neal’s ‘Last Straw‘ comes in.

This feature film directorial debut is a breath of fresh air in the slasher genre, boasting a well-crafted narrative written by Taylor Sardoni that takes audiences on a thrilling ride through one long, terrifying night at a rural diner turned into a stage for a gruesome killing spree.

The film wastes no time setting its tone, opening with unsettling random scenes of a bloody diner. A chilling 911 call plays in the background, hinting at a mass murder that has already occurred. The scene is foreboding, pulling viewers into the story before rewinding 24 hours to reveal the events leading up to the carnage. This structure effectively builds anticipation, preparing the audience for the chaos to come while keeping them guessing about how it unfolds.

At the heart of the story is Nancy Osborn (played by Jessica Belkin), a young waitress grappling with unexpected personal news she discovers she’s pregnant after peeing on a test kit by the roadside. Nancy’s day goes from bad to worse when her car breaks down, forcing her to hop on a colleague’s bicycle to work at the Flat Bottom Bistro, a diner owned by her father Edward (played by Jeremy Sisto). This sets the stage for a series of tense events. Following a heated exchange with her father about her recent promotion to manager, she reluctantly takes on the overnight shift.

What starts as a quiet night soon takes a sinister turn. A group of masked teenagers on mopeds begin terrorizing the diner with unsettling pranks. Their eerie presence sets Nancy on edge, but her attempts to rally her coworkers and seek help go largely ignored. A heated argument with Jake Collins (played by Taylor Kowalski), the diner’s head cook, leads to her firing him, leaving her to face the night alone.

The tension escalates when the masked teens reappear, their intent far darker than pranks. Nancy’s attempts to contact the police to show up prove frustrating and exacerbate her fear. When a Sheriff finally shows up reluctantly, he dismisses her fears until she mentions that the teens drove off on mopeds. This almost insignificant detail links the group to a recent massacre he was investigating. Before he can act, the Sheriff is brutally killed, leaving Nancy to fend for herself in a harrowing fight for survival against the mysterious and deadly attackers.

Alan Scott Neal deserves credit for making the film’s 1-hour-and-23-minute runtime feel substantial. The pacing is well-managed, and the narrative’s shifting perspectives unravel deeper layers of the story, culminating in a significant and emotionally nuanced reveal. This clever storytelling elevates what could have been a straightforward slasher flick into a more complex and compelling experience.

From a performance standpoint, the cast delivers exceptionally well, binding the narrative together with authenticity. Jessica Belkin shines as Nancy, capturing both the character’s initial tough, controlling demeanour and her transformation into a determined survivor. This nuanced performance ensures the audience roots for Nancy even when it seems like she can’t escape the danger she is faced with. Jessica Belkin is the star of the film and is deserving of her prominence on the film’s promotional materials.

Taylor Kowalski’s portrayal of Jake Collins is equally noteworthy. Initially introduced as a somewhat gruff and disgruntled cook, Jake’s character takes on unexpected depth following his confrontation with Nancy. His performance adds complexity to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional, enriching the film’s overall narrative.

Visually, ‘Last Straw‘ embraces the classic slasher aesthetic, with a nostalgic nod to the 1980s era. From the diner’s set design to the costuming, the film captures the essence of the genre without feeling outdated or overdone. The cinematography complements this aesthetic beautifully, heightening the tension and delivering well-timed jump scares that keep viewers on edge.

One of the film’s most commendable aspects is its restraint with gore. While there is no shortage of blood, well just enough to satisfy the expectations of horror enthusiasts, the film doesn’t rely on it excessively. Instead, it balances the terror and suspense, making it accessible even to viewers who might be squeamish about overly graphic scenes.

In all, ‘Last Straw‘ stands out as a thoughtful and engaging addition to the slasher genre. It manages to honor its classic roots while bringing fresh perspectives to its storytelling and character development. For a feature debut, Alan Scott Neal demonstrates remarkable skill in crafting a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

I would score this film a solid 8 out of 10. It’s a must-watch for fans of slasher horror and proves that even in a genre filled with clichés, creativity and strong storytelling can make a lasting impact.