Mask of Thorn
2019
Action / Horror

Mask of Thorn
2019
Action / Horror
Plot summary
Bethany has been kidnapped by Avondale's popular kids for a surprise birthday party to celebrate her sweet 16. They don't realize that Bethany is the target of the monstrous 'Thorn', and nothing will stand in his way.
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Mask of Thorn
Low budget 80s-style slasher.
I usually try to go into films without knowing anything about them, but afterwards it is often interesting to find out more about their production.
'The Mask of Thorn' is the second part of a trilogy. This concerns perceived do-gooder Bethany Lovell (Eve Kathryn Oliver), who suffers from suspiciously overbearing parents and an inability to fit in with her schoolmates.
To add to her troubles, the mysterious Thorn turns up to pursue her. Nice camerawork and lighting don't disguise the fact that he's an actor (Atticus Machiavellian - really?) in a mask (of Thorn, presumably, which is fair enough). He's even been given glowing eyes to make him more frightening. What really sells him, apart from his predilection for violence and killing (often in the same manner) is the sound design. Guttural breathing and snarling has rarely sounded so meaty.
Some acting is dire, some not so bad - there's a character in a horrendous 70s wig (this is set in the 80s). Conversely, my favourite character is foul-mouthed Julia (Lydia Cashman), whose line-up of expletives is wonderful.
For anyone who criticises the clearly tiny budget on display, MJ Dixon (the director responsible for the enjoyable 'Haunting of Molly Bannister' and 'Cleaver: Killer Clown') productions are a labour of love, financed by himself and fanbase crowdfunding enterprises. While the end result doesn't always match the admirable intent, it certainly has moments of interest and effectiveness. My score is 6 out of 10.