Director – Charles Reynolds
Starring – William T. Hicks (Death Screams, The Order of the Black Eagle), Harris Bloodworth, Deborah Bloodworth (Curse of the Jackalope, Return of the Jackalope)
Release Date – 1981
Rating – 3.5/5
Blu Release – 3/5
A few months back Severin Films released several horror titles that I was really interested in checking out. The one that caught my eye was John Russo’s Midnight. I actually have a copy of this one on DVD that I picked up at a used movie store several years ago but I never got around to actually watching it. With Midnight being the movie I was the most interested in, there was still others that peaked my curiosity.
One that I was curious about was the 1981 dramatic horror film A Day of Judgement. I fucking loved the artwork to accompany the Severin release so I reached out to MVD who was handling the release and they were kind enough to send a copy my way. Tanks Severin and MVD for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check this one out!
**Spoiler alert** The film takes place in a small town set during the 1920’s when the town’s preacher quits due to the dwindling number of parishioners. After announcing his departure we then travel through the town where we meet the different citizens ranging from an alcoholic, adulterers, greedy bankers, an evil son, and a man that commits suicide. **Spoiler Alert**
A Day of Judgement is not what I was expecting. In fact, I would have never guessed that this film would have been like this. I was under the impression that the movie was a slasher but it was quick disprove that while delivering something unexpected but enjoyable. I can see genre fans quick to bash this one but in my opinion this is one of the most underrated Severin releases of the year.
The acting in this one is solid. The cast is inexperienced for the most part but their performances are pretty great and the characters they bring to life makes the film what it is. The director did a great job with a fairly new cast and I really enjoyed them and how they fit into the story. The story for this one is not really horror. It’s a big stretch calling it horror but it is a dark drama with religious overtones but I find it very compelling. I loved the anthology like feel with each character’s story intertwining with the others while coating itself in a religious tone. I did like this approach but it is a bit disappointing expecting an obscure horror flick and given this drama.
Finally, don’t expect a blood bath or a film with a high body count. Instead, the film is a character piece that focuses more on the character’s and their importance to the overall story than blood and gore. Overall, A Day of Judgement was a fantastic film that really caught me off guard. It’s not a horror film in a traditional sense but as a period piece I highly recommend checking it out. The release from Severin is one of 2021’s must own of the year. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
Special Features:
The Atheist’s Sins: Interview With Author Of NIGHTMARE USA Stephen Thrower
Tales Of Judgment: Interview With Filmmaker Worth Keeter And Writer Thom McIntyre
