When it comes to British horror films I either like them or I don’t. There is something about that pale format that is always used in British cinema and flat acting that always turns me off from many British made independent horror films. Then there are those that are just great like 28 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead. It’s a rarity that I find one to be just alright, however with this film; Don’t Let Him In. I found it to be your classic horror slasher film with a cool kind of twist reminiscent of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the independent film Malevolence.

   The film revolves around a killer known as the “Tree Surgeon” who is always on the look out for fresh victims. Paige and Calvin are a young couple and along with Paige’s younger sister and her boyfriend they go on a weekend getaway when they come across a wounded stranger in the woods. The group of people that the stranger is involved with live in the woods and all seem very nice at first. They tell them the story of the local killer and even local law enforcement tells them about it. However as odd and strange things begin to happen; Paige suspects that one of the wood dwelling men is actually the killer and your basic survival slasher film with a twist begins.

   This is one of those slasher films that at a running time of only eighty minutes seems to get to the point quick but takes a few twists and turns to get there. I found it to be an interesting film but it was one that even with a short running time took its time to get to the point. Instead of a lot of blood and action from the get go, the film is more like a talkie than an action slasher film that you would expect it to be. It is not until about forty five minutes or so into the film that all the mayhem begins. Don’t get me wrong it’s a suspenseful filled third act, but by the time we get there we’re already bored.

   The DVD has a few special features such as Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Producer and Director Kelly Smith, Co-Writer Chris Andrews and Co-Producer Mike Mindel. There is also a Behind the Scenes Featurette, The Making of the Visual Effects featurette and the films trailer.

   Overall, Don’t Let Him In is a film that starts off slow and gets going towards the end. It is a film that does have a twist; however it is just another slasher film to add to the already growing numbers of mediocre slasher flicks out there. It’s not a bad film, but it has it’s issues and is worth checking out only if you want to sit though a detailed character driven film where the suspense and action come second to the character development and storyline.

- Horror Bob

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