Ep 1. Incident On and Off A Mountain Road - Don Coscarelli

Incident On and Off A Mountain Road is the first episode of Masters of Horror's first season. The show is directed by Don Coscarelli, who is known for his work on cult horror classics like Phantasm and Bubba Ho-Tep. As the name suggests, Masters of Horror is an anthology series that focuses on telling chilling stories through different directors' eyes each episode.

The plot revolves around a woman named Ellen (Bree Turner) who gets into a horrific car accident on a deserted mountain road. Her car crashes into a ditch, and she is knocked unconscious. When she wakes up, she finds herself in a dilapidated cabin, chained to the wall by a sadistic serial killer named Moonface (John DeSantis).

Moonface is a tall and imposing figure, covered in scars and tattoos. He wears a leather apron and wields a gnarled machete. Ellen's first instinct is to escape, but she soon realizes that Moonface is a cunning and dangerous adversary. He has set up a series of traps and obstacles that make it difficult for her to leave the cabin.

As Ellen navigates the perilous terrain, she discovers that Moonface is not alone. He has a collection of trophies from his previous victims, including a woman who looks eerily like Ellen. Ellen must use all of her wits and survival skills to outsmart Moonface and escape his clutches.

The episode is tense and suspenseful, with many twists and turns that keep the audience on edge. Don Coscarelli's direction is top-notch, with an emphasis on practical effects and old-school horror techniques. The cinematography is atmospheric, with lots of shadows and low lighting that add to the overall sense of dread.

Bree Turner gives a strong performance as Ellen, showcasing a range of emotions from fear to anger to determination. John DeSantis is similarly impressive as Moonface, portraying the killer as a complex and fascinating character rather than a one-dimensional villain.

Overall, Incident On and Off A Mountain Road is a great start to the Masters of Horror series. It sets the tone for the anthology, showcasing the talents of different directors and highlighting the many different types of horror that the show will explore. If you're a fan of old-school horror and dark thrillers, this episode is definitely worth watching.