Slaughter Tapes (2011)


Directed by: ,
Written by:
Starring: , , , ,

slaughter

 

 

Slaughter Tapes (2011)

(18) Running time: 91 minutes

Directors: Brian Skiba, Liam Owen

Writer: Michael Z. Gordon

Cast: Marissa Joy Davis, Eryn Gitelis, Justin Henry, Laurie Love, Aja Pollock

Reviewed by: Matt Wavish

I came across Slaughter Tapes due to my love of found footage horror, and the fact this was based on a shocking true story, I was intrigued. I was hoping to be disturbed by the events contained in this film, yet the punch never really came and I was left feeling rather let down. Sure, it seems that the filmmakers certainly gave it their best shot, and I have read that certain legalities meant that the film could not show everything from the story, but unfortunately the Slaughter Tapes simply does not deliver as expected.

The film see’s a group of documentary filmmakers making a film about the porn industry, and decide to interview some porn stars to get started. After speaking with a group of half naked and very attractive women, the filmmakers make their way out and bump into a young girl on her way to audition for a part in an adult film. Unable to make it as an actress, the young girl is about to have her first experience starring in an adult film, and she is nervous. The filmmakers decide her story would be much more interesting to tell, and the way she attempts to break into the porn industry would make for a great documentary. In fact, Matt (Henry) is so keen to tell her story, he offers $500 to be allowed to tell it. Matt’s casual girlfriend Mya (Pollock) becomes jealous of how Matt speaks with the girl, and tension in the group runs high. The $500 is the last of their money, and this too adds to the tension in the group, causing annoying arguments between Matt and Mya while the cameraman shoots everything. When the girl goes to a mysterious house to audition for another adult film for a dodgy filmmaker, Matt is concerned for her safety. This once again annoys Mya, but he had every reason to be worried.

slaughter2

The girl disappears after telling them she cannot make the documentary with them, but the tapes of what happened to her are discovered, and it is not pleasant. The film finally goes into really dark territory after the big reveal, but we already expected what happens, and while it is rather unsettling, there are far worse horror films out there that will leave a lasting impression. The Slaughter Tapes seems to hold everything back for the big pay off at the end, but it doesn’t really pay off, and a final twist in the tale (all too familiar with these types of films now) doesn’t deliver the shock it probably should have.

The acting is mediocre from a cast of unknowns, and Justin Henry as Matt is the only character you will find any sort of connection with. The cameraman barely has anything to do apart from shake the camera around, and Aja Pollock literally spends the entire film shouting at her boyfriend. The porn  actress is played relatively well, and the eventual nasty stuff is chilling thanks to how well she portrays her innocence. The film itself is very slow moving, told in flashback as police interrogate one of the filmmakers after the girl’s disappearance. The slow pacing might be off putting for some, but I am more than happy giving a film a chance if the story is engaging and interesting. The story here was, but is sadly let down by a crippling low budget and acting talent who do not have any talent. A desperate attempt at following the found footage clichés of a wobbly camera, scenes cutting off at the focus point, and a need to continue filming are starting to feel withered and boring.

The Slaughter Tapes is average at best, and the lasting impression it should have left will more than likely be thoughts of a good idea put to waste.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

 

Save

Avatar photo
About Matt Wavish 598 Articles
A keen enthusiast and collector of all horror and extreme films. I can be picky as i like quality in my horror. This doesn't necessarily mean it has to be a classic, but as long as it has something to impress me then i'm a fan. I watch films by the rule that if it doesn't bring out some kind of emotive response then it aint worth watching.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*