By Geno McGahee
SMILEY FACE KILLERS is a new horror film released by Lionsgate On Demand, Digital, Blu-ray and DVD and is one of those horror films that are “based on true events.” It starts very dark and then lightens up, giving a unique feel with the ebbs and flows to the atmosphere.
Jake (Ronen Rubinstein) is a normal college kid and starting to feel that something or somebody is watching him. The dread that he feels is translated to the audience quite well. The appearance of a white van consistently and score of the film keeps tightening the suspense. It’s easy to see what the purpose of the film is. This is a slow burn horror film and one that you have to invest time in to get the payoff.
Keren (Mia Serafino) is Jake’s only hope as he goes through this. He’s off his meds, by choice, and is looking to figure things out without it. There is a guy in a cloak and black gloves going around and apparently singling him out, or it could be all in his mind. That’s the story of this film. Most of Jake’s friends and his girlfriend are now seeing their friend as paranoid. Keren desperately wants to help her man, but everything is falling apart.
The film really picks up and the killers are revealed. Crispin Glover does well as the disfigured leader of the cult killers and there are some brutal death scenes. Glover is meant for horror with his delivery and look and this is a good usage of his skills and presence.
SMILEY FACE KILLERS is a slow burn horror/suspense that does a lot with creative cinematography and atmosphere. I highly recommend it. It was good if you have the patience to go for the ride .
