Date-rape drug revenge takes center stage in Mary Beth McAndrews’ debut horror film, Bystanders. The title is a sharp contrast to the chaos within this slasher-survival romp, which blends Last House on the Left with Natural Born Killers. Though it runs a bit longer than necessary, this revenge thriller delivers a bloody, gut-wrenching experience that showcases McAndrews’ demented vision.
Brandi Botkin, Jamie Alvey, and Garrett Murphy lead the cast, forming a compelling trio. While the action sequences occasionally falter, the gore more than compensates, pushing the boundaries of violence and mayhem. Bob Wilcox (Cody) stands out, adding just the right touch of apathy to anchor the film’s brutality.
The narrative revolves around a couple stumbling into the chaotic aftermath of college bros meeting their reckoning—a scenario sure to satisfy those rooting for justice against the worst kind of frat boy villains. However, the film’s pacing is uneven, with moments of tension followed by lulls that thin the impact of its menacing tone.
Despite these missteps, Bystanders still manages to pack an emotional and visceral punch. It explores classic revenge tropes while addressing the all-too-real horror of violence against women and other marginalized groups. Whether the film drives its point home will depend on the viewer’s connection to the characters and their plight.
While Bystanders doesn’t fully stick the landing, it’s an ambitious first feature that showcases McAndrews’ potential as a filmmaker.
Rating: 2.5/5
Bystanders
Directed by Mary Beth McAndrews’
Stars Brandi Botkin, Bob Wilcox, Garrett Murphy, Jamie Alvey, Chaney Morrow and Hannah Fierman. Jamie Alvey wrote the script.
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