The Anniversary at Shallow Creek is a 2011 American psychological thriller film directed by John Hough and starring Tom Berenger, Andrew Divoff, and Charisma Carpenter. The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on October 11, 2011.
The film follows a group of friends who reunite for a weekend at a cabin in the woods, only to find themselves being stalked by a deranged killer.
The Anniversary at Shallow Creek is a well-crafted and suspenseful thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film boasts a strong cast, led by Tom Berenger, who turns in a chilling performance as the killer. The film is also aided by a tense and atmospheric score that further heightens the sense of unease and dread.
Inspired by a true story, The Anniversary at Shallow Creek is a solid psychological thriller with strong elements of suspense and intrigue. Though, that’s not to say it’s perfect by any means.
Firstly the acting is patchy. Some of the cast are convincing in their parts, others are not so convincing. The female actors sure know how to belt out the screams, lots of screaming in this flick, reminiscent of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s ending. It’s just scream, scream, scream, scream. It doesn’t hurt the movie any truth be told, though it could get rather irksome for some. The killer in this movie, who’s motives are unknown until the end, is fairly boilerplate they’re not the most memorable of bad guys, though they are sufficient to help the movie be what it is.
The general production level of the movie is solid enough, i’d say it’s above indie standards well into quality b-movie leagues. Gore and special effects are on the very minimal side. No CGI in sight (thankfully), nor are there any spectacular action sequences.
One strong element the movie manages to create is the sense of entrapment and danger for the victims who’re effectively under siege from an outside sniper. You can’t help but feel for them as they see their friends die one by one.
The movies pacing is slow to start with (even though we have a bloody opening scene) but it never feels like its dragging along, the whole thing feels really well paced and the ending is one of those endings that you’ll either love or you’ll hate (no spoilers here).
Whilst The Anniversary of Shallow Creek is one movie that some may find dreadfully depressing, i thought it was a well crafted flick that delivers everything that it says on the tin. It’d be difficult for me not to recommend this one, it is a strong movie with a powerful sense of tension and suspense.
While the film’s ending is a bit of a letdown, overall The Anniversary at Shallow Creek is a well-made thriller that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Synopsis
The Anniversary at Shallow Creek is a 2011 American independent horror film directed by Jeremy Berg and written by Berg and Ethan Stewart. The film stars Quinn Shephard, Chris McNally, and Jessica Lowndes.
The film follows a group of friends who travel to the titular Shallow Creek for a camping trip to celebrate their friend Jess’s (Shephard) anniversary. However, they soon find themselves being terrorized by a group of masked assailants.
As the friends are picked off one by one, they must band together in order to survive the night. However, it quickly becomes clear that not everyone will make it out alive.
The Anniversary at Shallow Creek is a suspenseful and bloody horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Movie Details
Director: Jon D. Wagner
Writers: Eric Fisher, Brianna Lee Johnson
Actors: Eric Fisher, Brianna Lee Johnson, Annie Burgstede, Katharine Brandt
Release Year: 2010