Problems weigh just as heavily, though. Despite the chemistry between Davis and Long, their banter gets repetitive and tiresome with Davis changing his wardrobe between every scene like a Use Your Illusion-era Axl Rose with every character less interesting than the previous. Interlude sequences between Kelly (Barton) and her best friend attempt to break the monotony, but are so contrived they only add to it. In the end, we’re offered a mediocre twist that simply elicits “meh” at the end credits.
When it comes to low-budget horror, The Basement certainly isn’t the worst example, but it’s far from the best. It’s a good time-killer with great gore and decent performances, a nice background while you play that game on your phone. Don’t expect anything more.
The Basement (2018) Directed by Brian M. Conley and Nathan Ives. Written by Brian M. Conley, Nathan Ives, and Sean Decker. Starring Jackson Davis, Cayleb Long and Mischa Barton.
6 out of 10 stars
I felt the same way. It’s an interesting and cool concept but very repetitive and long drawn. With a generic twist ending.