SAW for the streaming generation is an apt description for Marcus Dunstan's #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead, a horror flick that attempts to capture the attention of Gen Z with a blend of gore, mystery, and pop culture references. While the film has its moments of fun, it often borders on corny, lacking the inspiration and innovation needed to stand out in a crowded genre.
The plot revolves around a group of college friends, each fitting into the stereotypical molds familiar from early 2000s horror films. This familiarity sometimes works against the film, making it feel predictable and uninspired. However, the film does manage to deliver some standout moments, especially with its inventive death scenes that evoke memories of early Nightmare on Elm Street and even Willy Wonka in their dark whimsy.
The dialogue and references peppered throughout the film are hit-or-miss, with some pop culture nods already feeling dated. For instance, the mention of Big Time Rush might leave some viewers scratching their heads, questioning if these references are meant to resonate with today's audience or if they’re relics of a not-so-distant past.
Visually, the film is a mixed bag. The quality of the CGI varies, sometimes impressively realistic and at other times distractingly poor. In contrast, the practical effects are where #AMFAD truly shines. The effects team deserves high praise, particularly for a scene involving a bisected head that appears disturbingly lifelike. Another gruesome highlight features incredibly realistic guts in a crucial scene, showcasing the team's talent and attention to detail.
Despite these strengths, the film feels like it’s trying too hard to be entertaining, rather than letting the fun naturally unfold. This forced feeling detracts from the overall enjoyment, making it seem like a lesser version of other films that have executed similar concepts more effectively.
The ending of #AMFAD is particularly convoluted, with one twist following another, leading to an overstuffed and somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. The multiple post-credits stingers add to this sense of overkill, leaving viewers bewildered rather than intrigued.
Marcus Dunstan, known for his work on The Collector, brings his directorial experience to the table, but #AMFAD lacks the substance and finesse of his fan-favorite films. While there are moments of genuine tension and cleverness, they are too few and far between to elevate the movie beyond its shortcomings.
For those who enjoy playing detective, the film offers some fun in trying to guess the killer, a nod to classic whodunits like Scooby-Doo. Despite its flaws, there’s a nostalgic charm in this aspect that might appeal to fans of mystery and horror alike.
In conclusion, #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead is a film that delivers gore and occasional thrills but ultimately falls short of being a standout horror entry for the summer. With a title that could easily be "I Know What You Did Last Semester," the film’s attempts at fun and scares are undermined by its uneven execution and lack of originality. While not the best, it’s worth a watch for die-hard horror fans and those who enjoy a bit of nostalgic detective work.