Hotel Turns Hellish in Lively Gore-Horror Film From ‘Terrifier’ Producers

The “Terrifier” films have proven that independent horror movies can still turn a profit, even with small budgets. With a direct appeal to hardcore horror fans, the films have made substantial earnings. A third installment is set for release this fall. Meanwhile, there’s “Stream,” a new project from much of the “Terrifier 2” team, excluding writer-director Damien Leone, who serves as a co-producer. “Terrifier 2” grossed nearly $16 million two years ago, and “Stream” is launching as a limited theatrical event from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25 in the U.S. and Canada, with other territories to follow.

Breaking from the familiar concept of a killer clown, “Stream” still shares some similarities with the “Terrifier” films, including both its strengths and weaknesses. These movies are crafted for a specific audience, with an emphasis on graphic violence and special effects rather than plot or character development. Despite this, Fuzz on the Lens productions demonstrate a higher quality compared to many other low-budget horror films. They are visually appealing, feature professional actors, decent pacing, and some humor. However, originality is scarce, which may become tiresome for viewers who aren’t solely interested in gore.

“Stream” is set at The Pines resort, a seemingly idyllic spot in Pennsylvania preparing for its reopening. Unfortunately, the owner, Linda (Dee Wallace), meets a fatal end before the first guests arrive. The Keenans, a family seeking a bonding experience, are among the new arrivals. The family includes Elaine (Danielle Harris), Roy (Charles Edwin Powell), their 11-year-old son Kevin (Wesley Holloway), and teenage daughter Taylor (Sydney Malakeh). Alongside the Keenans are other guests, including two charming Frenchmen, honeymooners, a drunk, a polyamorous trio, and several others who seem to exist mostly for increasing the body count.

The resort’s ominous atmosphere is set by the strange behavior of front-desk staffer Mr. Lockwood (Jeffrey Combs), who claims technical difficulties but is hiding the fact that the place will be locked down for a deadly game. The guests are soon hunted by four masked killers, their gruesome exploits filmed and streamed for betting viewers worldwide.

The rules of this horrific game are unclear, although it appears to be a straightforward slaughter. Some victims endure prolonged suffering for added shock value. Roy eventually teams up with another guest, Dave (Tim Reid), an ex-LAPD officer, but the power dynamics shift too swiftly to save many lives.

With appearances from genre icons such as Bill Moseley, Felissa Rose, and Tony Todd, “Stream” feels like a tribute to classic slasher films. The movie constantly plays on familiar tropes, surprising the audience only occasionally with the untimely deaths of presumed main characters.

The killers’ backstories are nonexistent, and their personalities are minimal. One is a bodybuilder, while two others form a dubious interpretive dance duo. Producer Damien Leone contributes elaborate makeup effects, yet the executions lack inventiveness, and the characters’ cliched dialogues don’t help.

Despite these drawbacks, director and co-writer Michael Leavy, along with the rest of the team, deliver a polished, energetic film. The semi-comical tone and steady pacing may not build suspense, and the resort setting feels somewhat bland. At two hours long, “Stream” drags in places, especially toward a finale that appears designed to include more guest stars.

“Stream” makes no pretense of depth, instead offering the straightforward terror that die-hard slasher fans crave. The hope is that any future sequels will expand on this premise, much as “Terrifier 2” did.

Source: Variety