I swear I’m not reviewing this film simply because I’ve had a mini splinter at the bottom of my foot for a week now. It’s just a coincidence. I am not going to transform into a gooey non-zombie pent on infecting you. Probably not.
Quick Plot: A young couple attempt to celebrate their anniversary under the stars, but plans are thwarted when they discover (bom bom bommmmmm!) they don’t know how to set up a tent! Things only get worse when they’re held up at gunpoint by a pair of fugitive lovebirds heading for a gas station to refuel and eat crackers. Worse becomes worst when the newly formed quartet gets attacked by a few misshapen corpses animated by practical effects and a mysterious parasite.
Set almost entirely in and around an empty gas station convenience store, Splinter is not a film founded on grand ambitions. The cast is small, kills are limited, and explanation never given. For some movies, this generally spells out forgettable mediocrity. Splinter, however, is genuinely good, perhaps because of its very smallness.
With just four primary characters, we’re never distracted identifying and dismissing token victims or half-heartedly investing in the doomed. Similarly, the two couples are a little more three dimensional than your average pretty people in peril. Within a half hour, we understand the reversed gender politics of Polly and Seth’s relationship and learn to anticipate how they’ll deal with the growing danger around them. While that shouldn’t be such a unique feature for any film, it does stand out in a genre typically populated by dead teenagers, horndog coeds, and paper doll couples.
The other notable feature of Splinter is the style of the special effects, all practical and rather neat. Filmmaker Toby Wilkins gives Splinter an almost Stuart Gordon-esque effect with running hands and loose-limbed reanimated corpses on the prowl. It’s not always scary, but it sure is fun to watch.
High Points
Though the central romantic relationship is refreshing and well-done, but it’s Shea Whigham’s turn as Dennis, a conflicted criminal that really makes us care about the story
Low Points
Some of the more violent attacks--particularly an early scene involving a major character--are unfortunately cut too quickly and shot too dark. It’s a shame that we don’t get to actually SEE all the mayhem.
Lessons Learned
Before going camping, make sure that at least one member of your party actually knows what to do with a tent.
Gun-toting criminals dig firecrackers (in more ways than one)
Police cars do not start without a key. Fancy that!
Rent/Bury/Buy
Splinter is an easy recommendation for a rental, though its small scale may not necessarily warrant a lot of repeat viewings. The DVD includes a few special features worth investigating, so throwing a few dollars its way won’t necessarily be a regret. So far, all director Toby Wilkins has added to his resume is the unseen (by me and I imagine many others) third Grudge film, but I’ll keep my eye out for his future work in the hopes that he continues to develop his style.
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