Reviewed by Melissa Garza
Nothing is better than renting a film you’ve never heard of, having zero expectations and being blown away by how good it is. My husband and I were at CVS buying some essentials, and we stopped by the Redbox on the way out. I looked at the horror films and with the exception of “Donner Pass” I had seen everything. For $1.28, I took a chance and from the beginning I was hooked.
The movie opens with a glimpse into the winter of 1846. The horrific history shows George Donner (Eric Pierpoint) along with his party resorting to cannibalism to stay alive.
In present time, the history of George Donner has sparked a legend among the residents of Donner County. Over the years, people have mysteriously disappeared and unsolved murders are thought to be the work of George Donner, who is said to be kept alive by his cannibalistic ways.
Thomas (Erik Stocklin) is a quiet and reserved high school student whose parents own a cabin in Donner County. As he is alone for the weekend, he becomes persuaded by friend/acquaintance Mike (Colley Bailey) to have a small party. Reluctantly, Thomas agrees under the condition only four people are allowed to go. Mike’s girlfriend Kayley (Desiree Hall) and her bitchy cousin Nicole (Adelaide Kane) are the other two expected to go.
Against Thomas’s wishes and without the consent of the group, Nicole invites her tough-guy wannabe boyfriend Derek (Dominic DeVore). He brings his stupid drunk buddies with him. Thomas attempts to get them to leave as does Kayley, but they outright refuse to go and Mike wanting to be popular allows them to stay.
Soon, blood is shed as members of the group are slashed to death in horrific ways. Thomas is convinced it is George Donner but the rest of the group doesn’t quite believe in the legend. Nonetheless, they all look around the house for weapons to guard themselves against whatever comes at them.
“Donner Pass” is a great movie with excellent character development. In between the horror, an interesting dynamic was shown with the characters. The idiot tough guys were easy to hate and root against. Thomas was easy to feel sorry for.
This was definitely an old school horror movie with great pace and a surprising conclusion.
Overall Rating: 8/10
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