A wise woman once sang that second chances never matter and that people never change. I would beg the differ on that one, Ms. Williams. Sometimes it takes merely changing your perspective to see something in a different light. Lately I’ve been seeing some movies differently than I did before. Movies that I have legitimately hated I’m now seeing with a bit more respect than I did previously. More recently it’s been horror films specifically. In preparation for our next Friday the 13th episode I sat down to watch The New Blood or part VII. A film that I notoriously have hated on in the past. When I took into consideration what the film was doing differently in an era of copycat slashers, something changed for me.
The movie might not be great but it’s now at a point where it can be respectable. The same can be said for the second Nightmare on Elm Street. The film shook up what we thought a conventional slasher film had to be. It dared to be bold and original. Even stepping outside of the horror genre, we find examples like Showgirls, which has found a completely new life. Sometimes we need to look deeper at a film than what it is attempting to say on the surface. Sometimes movies are just movies, but sometimes they have more to say. The horror genre has so much more to say than just mere formula.
A few months ago I did a review for the Shudder film, Lucky. The film stars and is written by Brea Grant. It is a science fiction time travel slasher film that shakes up the conventions of what typically make up a slasher film. In my original review, I laid into the film for having a conflicting vision with a lackluster ending. In preparation for its DVD release, I’ve come back to the film and will be the first to admit that I was wrong. If you’re new to Lucky, it tells the story of a best selling self-help author (Grant) who finds herself entangled in a string of time travel events that cause her to be hunted by a serial killer. First off both off screen and on screen, Grant is a tour de force. She is a whirlwind of talent that elevates the film to spectacular new heights.
Her script is insightful as she deconstructs the formula for slashers, something that has been ingrained into the horror viewing audience since the mid 1970s. Grant’s script is a wondrous satire that dares to equally pay homage and poke fun at the subgenre. As a performer, Grant gives her all to the role. She is absolutely wonderful in this role. The performances around her are equally incredible. There is no actor, no matter how small the part, that doesn’t bring their A-game to Lucky. The score and direction elevate the performances and script to sensational heights. Lucky is a genius horror film that speaks volumes on how horror depicts women and slasher tropes alike.
As a DVD the film is a little light on bonus features. This product is really for the cinephiles. If you’ve watched this movie on Shudder prior to now, I would recommend adding this to your collection. The DVD comes equipped with some pretty awesome behind the scenes stills you can work your way through, while also having a rather insightful commentary on the film from director Natasha Kamani and Grant. The commentary actually allowed me to walk away from the film with a much deeper love and appreciation for this film. However, I understand that these types of features are for a very niche audience. At the very least, Lucky is a movie I do recommend. The film is one of this year’s best horror films and could go down as this generation’s Scream. Lucky comes home to VOD, digital and DVD August 3rd 2021 from RLJE Films and Shudder.
RORSCHACH RATING:
Mental Health Moment: Brea Grant’s character of May repeatedly discusses this horrifying event she finds herself reliving. The more people she begins to share these experiences with, the more people begin to think she’s crazy. They think she is insane because they can’t manifest physical evidence to believe her. In similar ways, we do that same thing with mental health. We choose to ignore or to not believe someone because we can’t see the exact feelings they are describing to us. With this practice, we are furthering the stigma of mental health. Take someone at their word. If they tell you they are experiencing mental health issues - believe them. It could be the very thing that makes them live and subsequently could also deconstruct the stigma surrounding mental health. If you need resources, please consult our resource library.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Lucky is property of RLJE Films and Shudder. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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