If we go on a trip together and I die..you can eat me.
The Donner Party (2009)
Directed By: T.J. Martin
The Prologue
It may be rare but every now and again us horror writers like to take a small break and watch a film that isn’t really a horror film at all. What you get with The Donner Party is by no means a horror film. It’s a well made film based off the true and sad story of the Donner Party Tragedy.
But that’s not to say that some of what takes place in this film isn’t frightening. Which only goes to show that real life can be as scary as some of the films we usually watch.
The Movie
Based on the real events of The Donner Party tragedy. The Donner Party was a group of California-bound American settlers caught up in the western expansion of the 1840s. After becoming snowbound in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-1847, a number of the trapped settlers joined together in a final effort to reach California and organize a rescue party.
One thing that is for sure about this film is that it’s a very depressing and gloomy film. Even if you don’t know the story before watching you’ll get a sense that something full of doom and gloom is about to take place. And while the film isn’t badly made at all it just leaves you down in the dumps while you watch it.
While the acting isn’t bad, and has a very good performance by Crispin Glover, I think at times some people over act or just seem to be walking through what they are doing. Also to mix with that some of the plot seems to be left on the cutting room floor somewhat as days pass without any real notice and as these people try to find some form of safety we know days have passed but they never seem to be certain with it or do anything more than give a line or two in what people are saying to even inform us such time has passed. Let alone tell us just how much. So in a way the film seems a tad bit rushed, which it doesn’t really need to be since it’s slow moving anyway.
But that’s not to say this movie isn’t interesting because it is. You can get pulled into the story, however lacking it may be in parts, but it’s for sure a drama that might catch even a horror fans eye’s when cannibalism comes into play! That being said, it’s not Alive by any means.
Now don’t let anything I say turn you off all the way to this film because I’m sure there are a wide group of you far more into the history stuff than I. Also there’s a bit of disturbing violence in there for any horror fan as well. But that comes with very little blood so don’t go looking for that stuff.
While the story seems really cut there is enough to understand just what is going on and there’s things to help you see and feel just what these poor people are going through. If you ever want to watch a movie one night and take a break from the more wilder stuff this one may be a good pick.
The Conclusion
It’s very well made and I’m sure would be ranked higher by a more history loving film lover than I am. Me being a more hardcore horror fan will admit that while I’ve watched it and didn’t hate it, I have no need to watch it again.
So with that being said I think for most of you reading this, The Donner Party may be well worth a rent and that’s it, unless you are a historian or something.
The Rating (6.5/10)
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