A Horrible Way to Die (2010)

Directed by: Adam Wingard | 86 minutes | horror, thriller | Actors: AJ Bowen, Amy Seimetz, Joe Swanberg, Brandon Carroll, Lane Hughes, Melissa Boatright, Steven Buehler, Skip Harvey, Jen Huemmer, Whitney Moore, Holly Voges, Michael J. Wilson

‘A Horrible Way to Die’ leaves little to the imagination in terms of title, but also initially raises the suspicion that it is a mediocre horror film. Nothing could be further from the truth, because this dull and intentionally sloppy filmed thriller has much more in store than that.

Some natural acting main characters close the story around a blossoming love affair, a dangerous ex-husband, a club of anonymous alcoholics and a cold-blooded serial killer. So far perhaps no startling ingredients for the genre, so it also had to come down to the development and design of the film. Something that fits well in ‘A Horrible Way to Die’.

Against the background of Columbia (Missouri, America), Adam Wingard filmed a matte and misty print that is further characterized by the images shot at a distance and jerky. A style that directly underlines the grim atmosphere in ‘A Horrible Way to Die’, but which may not contribute to quiet viewing pleasure for everyone.

The real power of ‘A Horrible Way to Die’ lies in the great degree of reality. That is, the creators have steered clear of stereotypical influences that many other serial killer films would use. ‘A Horrible Way to Die’ is human and therefore sometimes scary real. We see a serial killer as if it could be the neighbor. Through flashes of thought we learn about his compulsive behavior. No mystery, but simply the cold truth reigns. That is refreshing and makes for an exciting build-up.

But, a film also remains an entertainment tool, the makers must have thought. Towards the end of the story, they built in some thickly imposed fictional elements that may not have been necessary. But then the story also has another surprise in store…

Thanks to clever flashbacks, ‘A Horrible Way to Die’ remains a well-organized thriller that can be exciting to the point of goosebumps at times. Ordinary, unknown actors make this story about normal people. Just about you and me, and maybe about the neighbor. The film, which was selected for the Imagine Film Festival in Amsterdam (2011 edition), turns out to be an unexpected surprise.