11 December 2024
The Slayer (1982)
80 min.
Directed by J.S. Cardone.
With Sarah Kendall, Frederick Flynn, Michael Holmes, Carol Kottenbrook, Carl Kraines, Alan McRae.
This game slasher benefits from a rather original (if not always well executed) premise.

Joined by her brother and sister in law, artist Kay (Kendall) and her husband set out for a much needed vacation on a remote fishing island.

But Kay is troubled by recurring nightmares...bloody visions of her loved ones being mercilessly slaughtered. When someone begins killing the group one by one, could Kay's dreams be the driving force?

Interesting lowkey horror boasts some spunky murder sequences (a fish hook neck dragging!) while at the same time thoughtfully foreshadowing Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), particularly with the latter half.

Pensive lead Kendall really comes into her own in the extended climax.

Best scene: Brooke's gruesome death by pitchfork, a nicely done moment enhanced by the stormy mood and supported by some cool effects work.

Also known as Nightmare Island.

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