Frayed: A Movie Review

"Frayed" is a horror outing from directors Norbert Caoili and Robert Portmann that highlights the successes of other films including "Halloween" and "Hellaburger." "Frayed" is full of terrifying sequences that builds the tension through the use of a wide range of outdoor sets allows the plot to unfold at a fast clip. Tackling issues such as sexual abuse, murder, and the dangers of camping "Frayed" is a must see for those with any interest in the horror or thriller genre.

In "Frayed" Kurt AKA Gary is a recent escapee from the local psychiatric ward where he has been under observation for several years after he murdered his mother. Not satisfied with the rubber walls at the hospital Kurt goes on a killing spree and unbeknownst to himself and the viewers he is in fact the killer and not the "Mask" who appears often in the film hidden behind a clown's garb killing anyone in his way especially wayward campers. Redemption soon follows as Kurt resolves some previous abuse, at the hands of his father, before dying in vain as the father continues a path of familial destruction.

Made with a moderate budget "Frayed" offers many different settings, characters and action sequences to keep a viewing very interesting. Also, as the story moves from the psychiatric hospital to locations in town, including a gas station, the writing keeps many of the later twists shrouded in mystery. Offering a double twist near the end the surviving characters, while begging for their lives, act in believable ways with inner conflicts between parties and mutual dependency occuring when Kurt attacks repeatedly. Many of the murders that take place are well choreographed, often bloody, and full of excitement as the attacks come out of nowhere.

"Frayed" is a straight to DVD Lionsgate production made from a relatively unknown production crew. Determined and passionate about filmmaking directors Rob Portmann and Norbert Caoili have created a very watchable piece of action cinema that is rich in the use of horror cliches that are relived onscreen. An homage to the "Halloween" series, whether deliberately or unintentionally, means that the techniques used within "Frayed" are tried and true and full of enough unknown twists and turns to keep the plot developments interesting. The appearance of a clown faced killer is also similar to other films like "Hellaburger" and "It." Check this film out now as "Frayed" is already available throughout North America on DVD since August 25th.