How refreshing is ‘My Bloody Valentine’? Here’s what I had in my corner going in: A slasher flick with a cringe title. A determination to watch it *on the appropriate day*. My rather low expectations. Go figure- on a day when many are left unsatisfied (😬), I’m over here in my corner with a satisfied grin.
Director George Mihalka made a legit movie with a bit of genuine conflict. Horror film characters are allowed to play more than one note. We have a mayor character who submits to understanding that a town event must be cancelled. Introduce that guy to the mayor from ‘Jaws’, stat.
The inevitable slasher deaths are particularly jarring and gory, and the camera isn’t shy about it. Reactions to these events are portrayed as traumatic, clearly shaking the witnesses. In fact, one character is essentially too distraught to focus on escaping. This type of reality-based filmmaking isn’t absent from horror films, but it’s increasingly rare the more I see. We’re used to seeing binary horror characters- either sacrificial lambs or persevering heroes.
This might actually be a *Real Movie*, combining an understanding of small-town sensibilities and working class drama with a flavor dash of slasher brutality. To boot, I don’t believe I’ll ever see a box of chocolates again without thinking of this movie. I’d call that a win.