He Knows (2022) (DVD Review)
Directed By: Steven Morris
Starring: Shawn C. Phillips, Lynn Lowry
Rated: UR/Region: 0/Widescreen/Number of disc: 1 (DVDr)
Available from Filmhub
A masked killer known as Sammy the Elf punishes the naughty of a small Midwestern town for the holidays.
“He Knows” is a prime example of a film that had potential but ultimately fell flat. Directed by Steven Morris, this indie slasher movie failed to deliver on its promises of terror and suspense. The plot revolves around a group of friends who find themselves being stalked by a mysterious figure who seems to know all of their deepest secrets. While the premise is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired. The pacing is sluggish, with the film taking far too long to build tension, only to resort to cheap jump scares and predictable twists. I guess on a good note, Jessa Flux is here in this one. But then again, isn’t she basically in every indie slasher these days? None the less…
The characters are paper-thin, with little to no development or depth. The acting is wooden, with performances that fail to draw the audience in or make them care about the fate of the protagonists. There is a distinct lack of chemistry between the cast members, making it difficult to invest in their relationships or root for their survival. The direction is uninspired, with Morris failing to inject any originality or creativity into the film. The cinematography is bland, lacking any standout visuals or striking shots. The score is forgettable, failing to enhance the mood or atmosphere of the film. The production design is lackluster, with a generic and uninteresting setting that fails to create a sense of dread or unease. The special effects are subpar, with poorly executed gore and practical effects that fail to elicit any genuine scares. Overall, “He Knows” is a forgettable and unremarkable entry in the slasher genre. While it may appeal to die-hard fans of the genre looking for a mindless thrill, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression. Steven Morris may have had good intentions, but he missed the mark with this lackluster and uninspired effort.
