In 1978, theaters were hit by a unique horror masterpiece: Halloween. Critics and audiences alike admired its suspense and tone, and wanted more. Through the late 70's, a few more similar horror films were released in the subgenre of 'slasher'. In 1979, Sean Cunningham and a film crew got to work on one such film, which they would release the following year. This film would be called 'Friday the 13th'.
The film follows a group of counselors at Camp Crystal Lake who are training during staff week. However, when they begin to disappear one by one, it becomes clear that something or someone sinister is causing these deaths.
Whether or not you'll enjoy Friday the 13th depends on how you look at it. You see, there is no focus on characters whatsoever. The teens we see are realistic, but not necessarily likable. The focus of the film isn't on characters or conflict, but a sense of suspense, fear and tone. In these aspects, it certainly succeeds. It mostly takes place on a dark and stormy night, and shows people getting killed, and those who are still alive slowly beginning to realize that something is wrong. In one masterful scene, the so-called final girl Alice prepares some food as the rain pours outside. Her expressions perfectly capture the growing suspense as she starts to realize that something isn't right.
If you focus on what the film focuses on, it is a good watch. It's not a great horror film like Halloween, but it's a suspenseful one that carries a creepy tone that is likely to stick with you. For horror fans, it will be undoubtedly entertaining. But for those who don't love the genre, it will likely feel dull. However, if you give it a chance, the suspense and mystery will entertain you.
The film follows a group of counselors at Camp Crystal Lake who are training during staff week. However, when they begin to disappear one by one, it becomes clear that something or someone sinister is causing these deaths.
Whether or not you'll enjoy Friday the 13th depends on how you look at it. You see, there is no focus on characters whatsoever. The teens we see are realistic, but not necessarily likable. The focus of the film isn't on characters or conflict, but a sense of suspense, fear and tone. In these aspects, it certainly succeeds. It mostly takes place on a dark and stormy night, and shows people getting killed, and those who are still alive slowly beginning to realize that something is wrong. In one masterful scene, the so-called final girl Alice prepares some food as the rain pours outside. Her expressions perfectly capture the growing suspense as she starts to realize that something isn't right.
If you focus on what the film focuses on, it is a good watch. It's not a great horror film like Halloween, but it's a suspenseful one that carries a creepy tone that is likely to stick with you. For horror fans, it will be undoubtedly entertaining. But for those who don't love the genre, it will likely feel dull. However, if you give it a chance, the suspense and mystery will entertain you.