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If you go into watching the latest film by Phil Claydon expecting a gorefest then you may be disappointed.  However if you venture into a viewing of the film expecting a tight, very well made, and highly entertaining horror thriller then Helloween is definitely a film for you. In its short run time (the film runs for 80 minutes) the film packs in a lot. Some of the marketing of this film has used the ‘Britain’s answer to Terrifier” which is perhaps not too accurate given that the Terrifier franchise is one hell of a gory film series, but I do get why some marketing has been done using this. Other aspects of the marketing have compared much of Helloween to The Purge, which is something that I think is very accurate. 

Helloween is a fast-paced horror flick that delivers exactly what genre fans crave, it has a creepy atmosphere, it features a super creepy prologue and a creepy kid in a mask wielding an axe, Helloween also features a devilish sense of humour without being comedic Phil Claydon has directed the film with a clear love for the horror genre and there are multiple nods to classic films within Helloween that will make you smile when you see them, rather than make you cringe when you see them.

Helloween leans into its Halloween setting with excellent style and confidence in what its doing and serves up a bloody good time that’s perfect for a late-night popcorn-fuelled watch. The onscreen performances from cult icon Michael Paré (Streets of Fire) and the films star Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott are excellent Jeanine shines as Dr Ellen Marks, the psychologist intent on cracking the puzzle that is Carl Cane. Jeanine has so many tense scenes within the film, I can only imagine how exhausting they must have been to film but she’s great to watch as she battles to protect her family and her self from the cult chaos.

Ronan Summers is in wonderful scenery chewing mode as Cane who seems to be a mix of Nolan’s Joker from the Batman films, Hannibal Lecter, and a character who would be at home purging for the evening. Cane is well spoken, educated but super vicious with his actions and his words. A great British cinematic villain has been made here in Helloween. 

. Michael Paré brings his usual gritty screen charm, that makes his character instantly engaging. Its always great to see Michael onscreen.

Helloween pacing is tight, the kills are inventive (and satisfyingly over-the-top), and the setting oozes spooky October vibes (even though I watched this film in September) from fog-drenched graveyards, candle-lit hallways rand rat infested cellar rooms.. Every frame of Helloween feels like a love letter to horror fans. There’s a real sense of fun in how the story  unfolds and the film never takes itself too seriously, which makes it even more enjoyable to watch.

If there is a downside, its that Id love to have seen more. There is a lot packed into Helloween and whist the film is perfectly paced, Id love to have seen more of the world in which this cult reigns, more of Carl Cane’s commanding manor and more house chaos featuring Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott, Caroline Wilde and Megan Marszal as the Marks family. But thats just a personal wish from me to the filmmakers. Helloween is a film I thoroughly enjoyed and love it for what it is.  With more genre films lined up for the near future, I cant wait to check out more from Shogun Films

Helloween is out now on Digital in the UK and in the US