In the short, sharp comedy-horror-siege film Hold the Fort, young couple Jenny (Haley Leary) and Lucas (Chris Mayers) move from the big city to a seemingly pristine suburban neighbourhood. Lucas is a world-class red-flag-ignorer, while Jenny is adept at spotting signs that something is off. When the perky, moustachioed head of the local homeowners' association, Jerry (Julian Smith), invites the pair to an equinox party, he assures them, “it’s to DIE for!” in a tone reminiscent of Ned Flanders from a Simpsons Halloween special. Jenny immediately asks, “Why would you say it like that?”
Quick Pacing and Lightweight Characters
Roles reverse at the party when ample local moonshine blunts Jenny's caution, leaving Lucas to notice they are in the early stages of a wacky horror film. The film jumps straight into action, with straightforwardly drawn characters replacing elaborate backstory, allowing a lean 75-minute runtime. This is a point in its favour for viewers wanting a movie that starts at 9pm and still allows an early night. However, the breezily sketched characters don't earn a place in anyone's heart, creating a sense of weightlessness; it doesn't feel like anything massively matters, even as the ensemble cast scream and meet grisly deaths regularly.
Tradition of Internet Sketch Comedy
This horror follows the tradition of high-end internet sketch comedy: if one joke doesn't work, another arrives in about 30 seconds. Investment in individual characters' survival is moot; viewers are equally happy with an entertaining death as a hard-won survival. With enough practical gore to keep things interesting, alongside cheap but judicious digital effects, Hold the Fort is lightweight but zippy and enjoyable genre fare. The film is available on digital platforms from 29 June.
