Review of The Mooring (2013) by Richard D — 25 Apr 2013

I was expecting a cheap slasher film and was pleasantly surprised by a film that's more of a survival horror in the tradition of "Deliverance". It's surprisingly stylish at times for such a gritty film. A nighttime attack on the houseboat set to David Allan Coe's "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" particularly stands out. The young cast acquit themselves marvelously, all managing to define distinct characters even while having to spend a large part of the film running and screaming. Thomas Wilson Brown is also remarkably effective in an almost wordless performance as the film's heavy.

In the end, what's most enjoyable about the film is that is effectively builds suspense by keeping you guessing. Important characters die at unexpected moments, leaving you generally unsettled. I look forward to whatever future projects this family has planned.