"Winterskin" is directed by Charlie Steeds, and starring David Lenik (Escape From Cannibal Farm) and Rowena Bentley (The House Of Violent Desire), Barrington De La Roche, Peter Cosgrove, Kate Davies-Speak, John Lomas, Harrison Nash and Dylan Curtis. The film is a traditional folk horror creature feature with supernatural chills.
Gunned down in the snowy wilderness and desperate for shelter, Billy Cavanagh is taken in by kooky old lady Agnes, unaware that her isolated log cabin is being stalked by a bloodthirsty skinless creature hellbent on getting inside.
"Winterskin" is a throwback to classic creature horror, blending folklore with ethereal, whimsy and nightmare. It is reminiscent of the atmosphere and character drama found in 80's anthology series such as "Tales From The Darkside". There is an almost "home entertainment" quality, that despite the film's flaws, makes "Winterskin" captivating and entertaining.
The story is a straightforward concept with an almost wildness survival aspect, fitting somewhere between The Donner Party and Windego. It keeps with the microbudget, indie horror feel. The cast is great at bringing these doomed characters to life. And, even though the more minial dialog stumbles, there is a lot of theatrical, twisted juiciness written in "Winterskin" that plays with both amusement and gothic elements, adding to this bizarre and chilling tale.
The special effects on display in "Winterskin" is excellent. The gruesome and macabre nature of the "skinless" is disturbing, reminding me of Frank in "Hellraiser". There are a couple of exploding blood bag effects that tease a more 3-dimensional, graphic novel style, which despite the intent, come off as hokey. Beyond that the horror elements are great, placing this indie horror above the expected dreg. Pair that with nostalgia inducing cinematography and a total 80's music score, and "Winterskin" is a definite one to watch. (3.5/5)
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