Traumatic events leave a lasting memory on their victims. In most common slasher films, you rarely see the effects of PTSD from such a harrowing experience. They follow a simple formula: a murderer kills, the victim flees, the murderer kills then the victim takes their revenge.
Fortunately, the third film from director Padraig Reynolds focuses on this. Open 24 Hours dives into the ugly aftermath of a victim unable to escape her past.
Padraig made a name in the horror scene with a chilling short film, The Election. It starred acclaimed horror actors Ray Wise and Lin Shaye.
However, in Open 24 Hours, he takes on the slasher genre from a different perspective.
Open 24 Hours centers on Mary (Vanessa Grasse). She’s desperate for a new start after leaving prison. Unfortunately, her past makes it difficult for her to do so. She was imprisoned for setting her boyfriend, James, on fire.
Although, this act proves to be justified. It turns out James has been a prolific serial killer for years.
Better known as ‘The Rain Ripper’, James has been building a long history as the town’s serial killer. No longer wanting to be complicit, Mary set her house on fire with James in it.
Thankfully, Mary lands a job at a local gas station. However, during the night, Mary’s reality tears apart as she’s unable to separate reality from her imagination.
Open 24 Hours deconstructs the slasher genre by taking the viewer directly into the aftermath of one. Through hallucinations, Mary’s forced to relieve the terrible events her ex put her in. They push you to question what is actually happening as if you were Mary herself.
Luckily, Mary is able to temper these hallucinations through medication. Nevertheless, a pestering parole officer and a blood-hungry public won’t let her forget.
James is a cold and calculating killer whose mission is to prove his love for Mary. Unlucky for her, James will stop at nothing to do so. His choice of weapon is whatever he finds lying around.
In a slasher film, an excessive backstory is unnecessary and his simplistic viewpoint feels appropriate.
Slasher films are known for two things: A psychopathic killer and lots of blood. Thankfully, Open 24 Hours delivers both in spades. With the minimal backstory, you’re able to enjoy excessive death scenes without feeling bad for the characters.
But despite the use of gallons of practical blood, it’s the addition of CGI blood that soils an otherwise gruesome feature.
One day we’ll go back to the age of blood squibs but that day is not today.
Using a long run time of 142 minutes, Open 24 Hours sadly overstays its welcome. In an attempt to expand Mary’s paranoia, characters who fail to make an impact are introduced. In horror films like these, less is definitely better.
Less is better and it’s apparent in horror films like this.
Despite its shortcomings, Open 24 Hours delivers a bloody romp of a slasher film that any gorehound will love.
Best enjoyed at midnight, Open 24 Hours is now playing on VOD.
