The Hamiltons is one of the best independent horror films since Saw. More of an intense character study than anything else, this disturbing creep show takes a tired concept and successfully gives it a refreshing, and even humorous, twist. If this film is any indication, The Butcher Brothers are a pioneering duo who should be watched in the coming years, whose ability to tell an engrossing and twisted story is bold and unique.
The Hamiltons are just like every other family. Or so it would seem. How well do we really know our neighbors? And all that goes on behind closed doors. After their parents die, the four children are left to care, and survive, for themselves. There's David, who has taken up the fatherly role and does the best he can at providing for his brothers and sister. Frances, the high schooler who - just like every other teenager - is still discovering who he is and how to fit in and cope with this strange and confusing world. And the twins, Wendell and Darlene, who are more of the outcasts and have a relationship with each other that may raise a few eyebrows. Every new town they settle into - they've lived in 6 different houses in two years - a dark secret surrounds their existence. A secret they'll kill to keep, and kill to survive.
It took me by surprise to see how The Hamiltons worked on many different levels, and not just as another generic horror flick. Quite profoundly, it puts our society and culture under scrutiny. It plays off that always thought-provoking idea that though we may put our best foot forward to the outside world, it simply acts as a mask hiding who we really are behind closed doors. It poses questions about what it means to be happy, to be content, even normal. Questions that don't have any answers, but by which we define ourselves both to ourselves and to society. Could The Hamiltons be nothing more than a study of a quintessential dysfunctional family? The condition that plagues the Hamiltons can simply be seen as a masquerade to mask the film's social commentary. It's worth a thought.
Hamiltons also stands as a great psychological film. It takes advantage of its low budget by making a movie that is told by its fascinating characters, rather than relying on cheap tricks. And though the actual amount of thrills in the film may be shortly numbered, it has no problem maintaining its creepy and atmospheric undertone. It's a disturbing film that captures an element of horror that isn't seen very often anymore. Whereas today the trend continues to drift towards providing films that are over-stylized and gimmicky, The Hamiltons is raw and gritty, but powerful. It's not a graphic film by today's standards, but plays off of the viewer's imagination, which at times is scarier than anything the film may show us. And ultimately, your reaction to the film may depend on how you like your horror served. If you're not looking for subtly rather than gruesome gore, you might as well skip this one and look elsewhere.
The Hamiltons is an eerie film that'll catch your attention and never let go. It takes a concept that isn't necessarily original, but is executed in a way that's unique and vastly entertaining. For a debut film, The Butcher Brothers prove their writing and directing abilities in a way that's superior to most of what's out there today, their eye for terror both refreshing and innovative. And with a crop of rising actors whose talent holds great potential, The Hamiltons is outright one of the best and most enjoyable horror films to come out this year. It may give you reason to take a second look at your neighbors next time you see them.
Two-Word Review:
Brooding Darkness
Review posted by Burtonesque on www.boxofficefanatic.com
The Hamiltons are just like every other family. Or so it would seem. How well do we really know our neighbors? And all that goes on behind closed doors. After their parents die, the four children are left to care, and survive, for themselves. There's David, who has taken up the fatherly role and does the best he can at providing for his brothers and sister. Frances, the high schooler who - just like every other teenager - is still discovering who he is and how to fit in and cope with this strange and confusing world. And the twins, Wendell and Darlene, who are more of the outcasts and have a relationship with each other that may raise a few eyebrows. Every new town they settle into - they've lived in 6 different houses in two years - a dark secret surrounds their existence. A secret they'll kill to keep, and kill to survive.
It took me by surprise to see how The Hamiltons worked on many different levels, and not just as another generic horror flick. Quite profoundly, it puts our society and culture under scrutiny. It plays off that always thought-provoking idea that though we may put our best foot forward to the outside world, it simply acts as a mask hiding who we really are behind closed doors. It poses questions about what it means to be happy, to be content, even normal. Questions that don't have any answers, but by which we define ourselves both to ourselves and to society. Could The Hamiltons be nothing more than a study of a quintessential dysfunctional family? The condition that plagues the Hamiltons can simply be seen as a masquerade to mask the film's social commentary. It's worth a thought.
Hamiltons also stands as a great psychological film. It takes advantage of its low budget by making a movie that is told by its fascinating characters, rather than relying on cheap tricks. And though the actual amount of thrills in the film may be shortly numbered, it has no problem maintaining its creepy and atmospheric undertone. It's a disturbing film that captures an element of horror that isn't seen very often anymore. Whereas today the trend continues to drift towards providing films that are over-stylized and gimmicky, The Hamiltons is raw and gritty, but powerful. It's not a graphic film by today's standards, but plays off of the viewer's imagination, which at times is scarier than anything the film may show us. And ultimately, your reaction to the film may depend on how you like your horror served. If you're not looking for subtly rather than gruesome gore, you might as well skip this one and look elsewhere.
The Hamiltons is an eerie film that'll catch your attention and never let go. It takes a concept that isn't necessarily original, but is executed in a way that's unique and vastly entertaining. For a debut film, The Butcher Brothers prove their writing and directing abilities in a way that's superior to most of what's out there today, their eye for terror both refreshing and innovative. And with a crop of rising actors whose talent holds great potential, The Hamiltons is outright one of the best and most enjoyable horror films to come out this year. It may give you reason to take a second look at your neighbors next time you see them.
Two-Word Review:
Brooding Darkness
Review posted by Burtonesque on www.boxofficefanatic.com