Butcher's Bluff is a throwback to the gritty, unapologetic slashers of the 1980s, complete with sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll, and an iconic masked killer. The film delivers on its promise of a high body count with fantastic kills and top-notch practical gore effects, staying true to the traditions of the genre while offering an original story that even non-horror fans might find engaging.
The movie follows four college students investigating the legend of the Hogman, a local serial killer, for their film thesis. Shot in various Texas locations like San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Bastrop, Butcher's Bluff captures the small-town vibe of its fictional setting, Emerald Falls.
The Hogman is a terrifying antagonist with a strong presence, thanks to his eerie hog mask. The film excels in delivering gruesome, over-the-top kills that will satisfy any slasher enthusiast. There are clear influences from classics like Halloween and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with scenes that pay direct homage to these films. Some viewers might find the references a bit too on the nose, but Butcher's Bluff maintains enough of its own identity to make it work.
While I am a huge fan of Bill Oberst Jr., the standout performances in this film come from Paul T. Taylor as Sheriff Joe and Michael Fischer as Rodger. Taylor arguably delivers the best performance of the film, bringing depth and gravitas to his role, while Fischer provides some of the film's best lines, injecting a needed dose of humor into the mix. Their contributions significantly elevate the film, making it more than just a run-of-the-mill slasher.
Nicole, one of the main characters, stands out as the voice of reason and the moral compass of the film. Her traumatic past allows her to connect with the Hogman in a way that adds depth to the story, providing a slight twist to the otherwise straightforward slasher narrative.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. At just over two hours, it feels overly long for a slasher, with extraneous characters introduced solely to be killed off. This drags out the pacing, making the final act feel drawn out. The movie could have benefited from trimming down some of the side quests, which often feel like unnecessary padding. Horror films, especially slashers, are typically more effective when they stick to a tight 90-minute runtime.
Another issue is the abundance of cameos, which, while fun, tend to be distracting and don't always serve the plot. Additionally, some of the film’s best kills are reserved for the credits sequence. While it's a unique choice, it would have been more satisfying to see these standout moments integrated into the main film.
Despite these issues, Butcher's Bluff is a labor of love, and that passion shines through. It’s a solid entry into the slasher genre with enough humor and bloody thrills to keep genre fans entertained. With a bigger budget and a tighter script, a potential sequel could take this concept to the next level. For now, though, Butcher's Bluff is a fun, bloody romp that’s worth checking out for fans of old-school slashers.
Jessie Hobson