Starring: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vinessa Shaw, Daniel Gimenez Cacho
Director: Makinov
Distributed by: New Video
MPAA Rating: Unrated
RUnning Time: 95 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I am not sure what it was that drew me to “Come Out and Play”. Before watching this film, I hadn’t seen any of the teasers or trailers. I think what was the real draw for me, besides that it is a horror flick, was that it was directed by Makinov, who we know little about personally except that he is known for wearing a mask. Nonetheless, Makinov knows how to direct a film. He delivers some great tension in his directorial debut in “Come Out and Play”. The film itself is a slow-burn but as it developed throughout, especially in the third act, it grabs you and doesn’t let do. Do not miss this!
This is based on Juan José Plan’s 1976 Spanish horror classic, “El Juego De Niños”. The premise is quite simple yet very effective. It follows a young couple’s attempt to escape to a isolated island during vacation. This vacation represents their last chance to enjoy themselves before they become parents. When they arrive on the island, at first they do not see anyone else around. But they soon find out that they are not alone at all. In fact the island is filled with tons of children, who are ruling the island and have quite the murderous appetite. The couple struggle to survive and make it off this remote island. Think “Children of the Corn”, hold the corn and taking place on an island.
The film stars Vinessa Shaw, who I know best from “Hocus Pocus” but more recently in “The Hills Have Eyes” remake and Ebon Moss-Bachrach known for his role on “Damages”. The film really sits on their shoulders and they hold it up well with great performances. The horror is the film is practically yet packs a nice punch, literally. Assisting with the suspense is Makinov’s score, which really takes you along for the ride and does not let you take your eyes off the screen. There is no shortage of gore or even violence to the kids, which I feel is very ballsy but pays off. I hope this little film gets some attention because it should not be missed. I can’t to see what Makinov has planned next for sure.