Director(s) – Michael J. Ahern, Christopher Dalpe, and Brandon Perras
Starring – Wayne Gonsalves, Michael McAdam, and Johnny Sederquist
Release Date – 2020
Rating – 4/5
Tagline – “If you’re going to have two faces, at least make one of them pretty”
I get in more movies for review than I have time but I’m always checking out social media for other gems that I’ve never heard of to check out. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment or my obsession with horror is bigger than my common sense. Regardless, I love horror and I’m always looking for more. A few days ago I was scrolling through Facebook when drag queen Ninny Nothin shared a review for the LGBTQ slasher comedy Death Drop Gorgeous. It looked like a hell of a time so I inquired about it. She was kind enough to get me in touch with Mike Christopher who sent of a link to check it out. Thanks Ninny and Mike!
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows Dwayne (Gonsalves) who is returning to his hometown after a break up and takes a job bar-tending at a gay club. While trying to get his life back in order he soon finds the bodies of performers and patrons of the club that has been drained of blood. The owner, Tony, pays two detectives to find the killer before he loses business but the real murderer is right under his nose. **Spoiler Alert**
While most of my friends were watching Disney I was reading Goosebumps or watching To Wong Foo and Pink Flamingos when I was growing up. I was always a bit different but the movies and books I read when I was in elementary school really shaped who I am today. It’s not often that I come across a horror movie that reminds me of the films I loved growing up but Death Drop Gorgeous did. Honestly, I could see myself revisiting this one and never getting tired of it.
The acting in this is fucking great. The movie is overflowing with memorable characters that are larger than life. I know this is a lazy thing to say but if I was to mention everyone in the film I would be here all night. Everyone did a fantastic job and really got into their characters. The story for this one rolls so fucking well. I would describe it as John Waters’ trash meets Richard Griffin’s sense of horror and exploitation. I loved how the characters were incorporated into the story and their dialogue is amazing. It’s painfully obvious that this film was not tossed together and sometime was put into the writing. I really enjoyed the pacing as well and how no time felt wasted within the scenes.
Finally, the film has several kills that fit the theme of the film. The practical effects are surprisingly great and it really sells the scenes. I was surprised by the blood and gore in the later scenes as well. Overall, Death Drop Gorgeous is an outrageous horror comedy that has plenty of style and blood. I highly recommend checking this one out if you are ever greeted with an opportunity. You will not be disappointed.
