The hook of writer-director S.N. Sibley’s Torture Day is quite novel: Robert (Cy Henty) arrives home immediately after Lewis (Ross Alan Doney) has murdered his wife. While dressed as a police officer, the killer convinces the husband to help him dispose of the body. However, they are carjacked, though the thieves are unaware of the trunk’s contents. Now, the two must track down the car before somebody discovers the boot’s macabre secret. The problem for the frustrated Robert is that Lewis is unhinged and will kill anyone he thinks gets in their way, even if the person did not.
The first 6 or 7 minutes of this horror thriller are dialogue-free as a date unfolds. Then, on the way home, one of the romantic couple is killed by an unknown person. Then the film follows a seemingly random lady until it is clear the camera is observing the killer, Lewis, choosing his next victim. All the while, Alberto Masoni’s hauntingly effective score sets the eerie mood. It is an intriguing and engaging way to start the film.
“…the killer convinces the husband to help him dispose of the body. However, they are carjacked, though the thieves are unaware of the trunk’s contents.”
Once people start speaking, Doney seems to rush through his lines a bit. This results in a very obvious flub in a sentence left in Torture Day, some 17 or 18 minutes in. After the carjacking, though, he feels more in the groove of things. Henty plays the grief-stricken, yet slightly relieved, husband with the right amount of anxiety, fear, and determination. The main duo plays off each other well, making it easy to see why Robert would even consider helping the obviously madman.
When the narrative focuses on the murderer, husband, and stolen car, it’s riveting. But the focus shifts from them to a music video shoot in the woods near a haunted attraction. These new characters are a little dull, and much of what they do feels like padding. Compare the conversation about getting a photo with the washed-up musician all this is for versus the intensity of the carjackers in an auto mechanic’s garage. Guns are out, tensions run high, and it is not certain everyone will make it out alive. The music video ends on a tired punchline and a smile. Very odd. However, once everyone collides, the ending chase is fraught with suspense.
Torture Day is fairly original and sports several cool moments. When the horror is the focus, there are thrills and chills aplenty. The two leads are interesting, and the actors portraying them are good for the most part. But the film shifts focus to something far more dull, and it takes a while to get back to the good stuff. Still, overall, thanks to its originality, acting, and impressive finale, this is a good horror flick that will satisfy those with a hunger for a different sort of slasher.
"…will satisfy those with a hunger for a different sort of slasher."
