Dead Body had my attention when the press release mentioned it was a whodunit murder mystery. I was quite interested in watching it and the movie gods have smiled upon me once again. To me, there’s something so classical about this subgenre of horror and I was invigorated to see it make a return in some form in 2017. Not many film-makers can craft a typical whodunit murder mystery without making it read more like a slasher flick. Several key comments need to be in place to make the movie a success. Surprising deaths, lots of detective work, and a ton of exposition. Luckily, Dead Body contains all of that and it turned out to be a pretty decent, independent title. I think it lost its focus at times, jumping between atmospheres and styles, but overall my viewing was an enjoyable experience.
Dead Body started out with an effectively strong opening sequence; super cohesive from the perspectives of plot, character performance, and visual content. It was almost Friday the 13th in nature and serves as a successful hook that’ll keep viewers interested past the opening credits. What happens after that, though, is my biggest gripe. The atmosphere and cinematography switches from laid back horror film to romantic comedy and it’s definitely off-putting. Visually, narratively and performance-wise Dead Body turns into a completely different movie and I had to stop and question why. It was capable, captivating and fun before the switch to American Pie style. For much of the movie, the climate stays this way with the introduction of the major players – some you’ll like, some you’ll hate – and a party scene leading up to the inevitable trip to the isolated cabin.
Once they arrive at the cabin, viewers are treated to standard character development and plot progression on the lighter side of things before Dead Body veers back into the lane of whodunit horror. You see, the film from director Bobbin Ramsey sees several friends celebrating their high school graduation at the cabin; eventually participating in a parlor game called Dead Body. Secretly, one player is deemed the killer, the other ends up as his victim, and the others are left to figure out who the culprit is. Unfortunately, on this night an unexpected guest forces the group of friends to play the game for real. Based on the screenplay by Ramon Isao and Ian Bell, Cooper Hopkins, Rachel Brun, Spencer Hamp, Nic Morden, Jay Myers, Leah Salcido, Pfenning, Nate Pringle, Miho Aizawa and Koe Sakuta star in a lake house thriller that’ll keep you guessing from start to finish.
The concept of Dead Body is somewhat comical to me, which would explain the theme and style change, because it’s a game I could see all of us horror fans playing; whether it be with friends during a night of drinking or as a pre-Halloween festivity. This, perhaps, is the movie’s biggest allure. Dead Body is a modern, slightly gorier version of Clue and it was a joy to see an old concept performed so well in modern times. It was fun to see the kids trying to solve the murder mystery, and all the bad decision making and jumping to conclusions that took place during the puzzle. As with Clue, the body count isn’t super high and the special effects aren’t used to their full potential, but I’d like to liken the level of horror to that of 1967’s Berserk – where the scares aren’t in your face and they step aside for major plot and character development. Though I have to say the killer’s motive is on the weak side…
Dead Body was produced by Ramon Isao and Ian Bell with executive producer Jeff Wilson. Cinematography was performed by AJ. Rickert-Epstein & Jacob Rosen with Ian Bell on editing. A throwback of sorts and a middle finger to current Hollywood trends, Bead Body was a marginally enjoyable whodunit and the best in its category since Chill: The Killing Games in 2013. Too slow at certain points and not always headed in a cohesive direction, I have to applaud Bobbin Ramsey for directing a fun, suspenseful and charismatic flick that’ll capture the attention of several generations of horror viewers. Currently available on VOD via Terror Films, I’d actually recommend this one to fans of the subgenre or viewers looking for a good murder mystery.
Final Score: 6.5 out of 10.
