Redwood Massacre: Annihilation

Compounding this issue is the utterly absurd and entirely dumb turn the film takes regarding the killer’s reign these past decades. It is so idiotic and frustrating that all the goodwill Redwood Massacre: Annihilation had built up beforehand evaporates in an instant, leaving the viewer on a sour note as the credits begin to roll.

And it should be clarified that while the change over from unseen horrors in the woods to a traditional slasher is clunky, the kills themselves are great—very gory, utilizes practical effects, intense. The exact kind of thing a slasher fiend will fall in love with, so even that is a net positive overall.

“…oozes atmosphere and tension.”

Plus, the cast of Redwood Massacre: Annihilation is pretty great. Harris imbues her skeptical, angry character with an underlying concern for her on-screen father, making their rocky, though loving, relationship believable. While looking at Gus’ actions, one would presume he’s the quiet type, all brooding, no fun. But, thanks to the writing and Kasper’s lively performance, he’s the comedic counterpoint to all the gruesomeness on display, and he absolutely owns it.

Portions of Max’s story seem to need a pretty good knowledge of the first film to understand; having not seen it in so long, aspects of what he was doing made no sense. I know how vague that sounds, but it is hard to discuss Max without spoiling certain events of the movie. Even still, Puckler is appropriately creepy, ably enticing the audience, even when the story keeps things muddled about him. I know how vague that sounds, but it is hard to discuss Max without spoiling certain events of the movie. However, this is the Jon Campling show through and through. As the father unable to get over the death of his daughter, Campling excels. His anguish over his loss and subsequent obsession with the murders is conveyed honestly and authentically. Campling easily gets the audiences to emotionally invest in his arc.

Redwood Massacre: Annihilation is well-directed, playing host to several frightening scenes. The practical gore effects are fantastic, and the moody score sets the tone well. It is all anchored by a very good cast, especially Campling, who is unbelievably great. But the transition from slow-burn to slasher is not smooth, and the final few minutes of the movie are such a dumb mess, that despite all the good, it is hard to recommend the film entirely. It is certainly not bad, but does that mean it is good?