Nato And Remy’s Last Stand: 2013’s Independent Horror Hits

Remy – Open Grave

I knew nothing about Open Grave when I sat down to watch it a few weeks ago. Nothing. I knew none of the stars who were in it, and knew not a single note of the story. Hell, I hadn’t even seen a trailer. The irony being, all those things made my experience with Open Grave even more memorable. Do yourself a favor. If you want to see this movie, stop reading now and go watch it. While I will spoil nothing about the film here, going through a house that is pitch black is way scarier than going through a house with a torch. Sorry, I am speaking in metaphors. Not sure if you read that last entry of mine, but I am a serious writer now. This is what we do.

Oh yeah, Open Grave.

So the opening of Open Grave is what will pull you right in. Sharlto Copley (of District 9) plays a man named…..John. He wakes up in an (gasp) open grave filled with dead bodies in the middle of the jungle, and has no idea how he got there. The movie then takes us on a ride, with us trying to figure out if John is good or bad, while John tries to figure out if John is good or bad. The movie is not gift wrapped and handed to you, like so many things are around this time of year. Instead, it asks you to stay with it, and almost has a Memento feel to it as John slowly pieces together just what the fuck is going on. It is by no means conventional storytelling, but it is dynamic and works incredibly well when paired with Sharlto Copley’s typically frantic acting. Also, another movie with an absolutely brilliant ending. To me, that is a big sell when it comes to horror. You wrap your story up well, you got me.

I know everyone loved The Battery and it was many people’s fave zombie movie of the year, but for me, I think Open Grave takes it. Though I am using the word zombie a little loosely here.

‘Nuff said.