Ever wondered what would happen if you mixed elements of Carrie, Pretty in Pink and the black comedy tones of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, combined it with an Australian Freaks and Geeks esque high school coming of age drama and threw in a dash of intentionally hilarious torture porn? (a genre I really don't rate, but here it's more akin to 2008 British horror Mum & Dad) Well, the result would probably look a lot like Sean Byrne's The Loved Ones, a film that plays out like a sarcastic and hyper violent kick in the head, but somehow also works as a horribly fun hour and a half that cant be taken that seriously. Even when the film uncomfortably hints at incest and family tragedy the tone is strangely light and aware of it's comfort zones. Also, whilst Loved Ones is no bona fide classic, its a good, solid and inspired slice of horror that gets progressively more interesting and entertaining as it goes on.
Although Twilight's Xavier Samuels is given top billing on the films fantastic poster, the most memorable performance has to be that of Robin Mcleavy. The role of Princess can't have been an easy one but she pulls it off with such a huge surge of vigorous energy and excitement, I hope she continues to play similar parts in the near future. In Loved Ones, she plays the high school odd one out who after being denied a prom date with Samuel's emotionally damaged stoner character Brent, concocts a rather extreme revenge plan, lures him to her fathers home and proceeds to mentally and physically torture him whilst hosting a twisted prom of own. Byrne's film contains some almost supernatural elements and considering this is his first feature, works wonders with his young cast. Also, one of the films most memorable high points is how brilliantly he combines his ideas with cinematographer Simon Chapman. The final scene of Mcleavy running screaming across the fields, dressed lips to toes in neon pink and wielding a huge carving knife in pursue of her recently escaped hostage bring to mind the final doomed ending to Wolf Creek and linger in the mind long after viewing. The use of scope photography and sun drenched roads are at times mouth watering. Mcleavy's subtle recital of the films title song also gives the final sequence a melancholic air of sadness that may make you question whether your meant to feel sympathy for her, despite her insane antics.
I'll probably be watching this one again as I'm pretty sure one screening doesn't quite reveal all the films twists and obscurities.
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