Watch The Slayer

The Slayer is a horror film from 1982, directed by J.S. Cardone and stars Sarah Kendall, Frederick Flynn and Carol Kottenbrook. The chilling movie follows the story of artist Kay, who frequently experiences vivid nightmares that she believes are signs of her impending doom. Before embarking on a vacation with her husband David, Kay is commissioned for an art project in a remote location that requires her to take a plane with her brother and his wife. After landing, the group is met with a series of unexpected events that set the tone for the rest of the movie. They find that the tiny island is uninhabited, and the only shelter available to them is a cabin. However, the strange occurrences persist despite their attempts to remain rational and allow the trip to play out.

It doesn't take long for Kay's nightmares to become a reality, and she finds herself plagued by a monster that seems to be lurking in the shadows. The creature begins to kill off members of the party one by one in a manner that seems to be tied to Kay's artwork. The survivors’ attempts to flee from the island are met with even more challenges, and they eventually come to realize that their only chance at survival is to confront the monster head-on.

One of the most striking things about the film is its use of atmosphere. The island is portrayed as isolated and eerie with its rocky beaches, and the cabin is filled with unnerving trinkets and seemingly mundane items that add to the feeling of unease. The effect is heightened by the soundtrack, which utilizes a mix of intense music and unsettling sounds such as buzzing flies and creaking doors.

The Slayer's characters are all realistically portrayed, with Kendall delivering a convincing performance as Kay, a woman teetering on the edge of madness as she grapples with her fate. Flynn and Kottenbrook offer excellent support as Kay's loved ones, bringing a human touch to the horrific proceedings.

The visual effects in The Slayer are a mixed bag. While some of the creature designs are truly gruesome, others feel like they were created on a shoestring budget. However, the movie is successful in avoiding over-reliance on gore, with the most impactful moments occurring when the creature is off-screen.

One aspect of the film that divides viewers is its ending. Without giving too much away, the conclusion is ambiguous and meant to leave the viewer with lingering questions. While some may find the lack of resolution frustrating, others argue that it is a fitting way to end a horror movie.

Overall, The Slayer is a commendable entry in the horror genre. It balances an eerie atmosphere with engaging characters and keeps the tension high throughout. Additionally, it is noteworthy for being one of the earliest movies to delve into the sub-genre of “meta horror,” where the horror is a reflection of the character's inner struggles. Fans of classic horror are sure to enjoy this underrated gem.

The Slayer is a 1982 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.