Director: Zoe Kavanagh
Production Company: Constant Motion Pictures
Genre: Action Horror
One Sentence Synopsis: A young woman becomes a demon hunter to avenge the death of her sister.
Series: Standalone
Release Date: June 12, 2017 (UK and Ireland release)
Running Time: 85 min
Website: Click Here
Trailer: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 4.0 Moons (out of 5)
Taryn Barker isn’t your typical Goth girl; she not only believes in the supernatural, she hunts it down. Blaming herself for her sister’s death, she wants the killer(s) brought to justice. With the “help” of a demonic entity she’s given the power to avenge her sister’s death. But once she is arrested administering justice, a detective’s daughter becomes the victim of the demons. Taryn must take up her sword and destroy the darkness before it consumes both her and Detective Ray’s daughter.
Story
I became intrigued pretty fast beginning with Taryn Barker (Niamh Hogan) engaging in a sword fight with a guy, ultimately beheading him and running off but not without getting caught by the police. During the interrogation Detective Ray Beckett (Alan Talbott) realizes that he knows Taryn from a previous case. We get a flashback sequence and see how her little sister met her demise, and that Taryn feels responsible.
The next day the mutilated body of a priest appears, and Detective Ray is given an audio message from a man calling himself Eskerin Falstaff (Michael Parle). He demands the release of Taryn and threatens that if she is not then more bodies will pile up. Shortly after we get another flashback and are introduced to Eskerin. He seems to be a creepy medium that is channeling Anabelle – Taryn’s sister – and offers Taryn the chance to kill the man who murdered her sister. But what next? Is this man truly wanting to “help” Taryn or will greater consequences follow?
Detective Ray’s daughter is later kidnapped because he didn’t release Taryn. An awesome scene comes about with a demon breaking into the police station to kill her, and we get another great fight sequence. She escapes with the help of her fellow demon hunters. Will they retrieve the detective’s daughter and defeat Falstaff? But more importantly, will Taryn be able to battle the darkness that lies within herself?
Taryn Barker, vowing justice to her dead sibling
Presentation
This film has won numerous awards at film festivals, and I can see why. Niamh Hogan gives a great performance as the heroine. You can truly sense the pain and frustration that she has inside, and the guilt she bears for her sister’s death. Alan Talbott comes off as your overworked, overstressed, “I’m too old for this shit” detective, and he does it well. Michael Parle’s performance as Eskerin Falstaff was amazing. He was legitimately creepy, and his Satan-type character reminded me of a monk and an attorney rolled into one.
Going up against a demon!
The cinematography was outstanding. Very good lighting, some really good aerial shots, and the editing together was done well. Musically, the score was perfect for the mood of the film, though a couple times it seemed to overpower the dialogue. It has a great soundtrack. Some of the sound effects were over exaggerated in a few scenes, particularly the sword fighting. Special effects and make-up were also very professional.
Gothic Fit
Do I really need to explain why this would appeal to a Gothic viewer? I mean, we have a Gothic chick who’s a demon hunter bent on getting revenge for her sister’s death! You have supernatural elements involving the occult, demons and demonic possession. There is a very dark atmosphere that envelopes the movie. I know a lot of people in the Goth scene are fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This could definitely be compared to that show.
Closing Thoughts
Demon Hunter delivers strong emotion and an intriguing story surrounding a really hot Goth chick kicking demon ass. You shouldn’t NOT see this film.
Story: 3.5 Moons (out of 5)
Presentation: 3.5 Moons (out of 5)
Gothic Fit: 5.0 Moons (out of 5)
Final Score (not an average): 4.0 Moons (out of 5)
