(Note: This review was originally published around the time of London Frightfest 2020, under the original release title of BLINDERS.)
One of the triumphs of Frightfest 2020’s exclusively ‘Digital Edition’, which showcased the cream of the best horror offerings via online screenings and presentations on demand was the new noir drama STALKER (AKA BLINDERS)
Determined to escape a painful break-up, Texan native Andy (Vincent Van Horn) is an aspiring drummer-cum-teacher who is looking for a new start in the City Of Angels. He still pines for his ex, Emily, who still dominates his social media, but perhaps it is time he just left it all behind. Scouting for dive bars, he finds one and a few drinks in solace.
It also here that he meets Sam (Christine Ko), who likes his vulnerable nature and she herself looks like she has had a similar experience to Andy in the transitional status quo post-relationship and asks him to come back with her to her place. She calls a cab, which is driven by Roger (Michael Joplin) and the two of them spend the night together on the understanding that sex is off the menu.
The next day, Andy bumps into Roger and they decide to have a few drinks as well. However, Andy reminds himself that he is in town to get career prospects improvements amongst other things and blows Roger off, causing him to start obsessing after him, particularly given Andy’s relationship with Sam is increasing, whilst his own bro-mance with Roger is decreasing. The scene is inevitably set for a classic tale of dark needs and love in between…..
….but don’t assume for a minute STALKER is heading ultimately in that direction – and this reviewer is more than happy to deny our humble readers any clues as to what happens next, for this is one of the most delightfully twisted noirs of the last ten years.
Echoing many a classic twisted noir of the past, where characters and situations are pretty ambiguous throughout, STALKER will certainly keep you guessing as to the nature of the characters.
Directed with an energetic combination of zest and understatement by Tyler Savage from a script he co-wrote with Dash Hawkins, the film is that near-perfect blend of spot-on performance and well-written script, coupled with all the essential elements of the genre that has been captured so eloquently in previous examples in the city like CHINATOWN amongst others.
It certainly deserved all the plaudits from the Frightfest Digital audience, who have already more than enthused about their experience of watching the film in lockdown phase, but this is more than just for the horror community – and fans of films like BLOOD SIMPLE and SE7EN will certainly want to grab a viewing of this.
Without question, Tyler Savage is a name for the future….
