I Think We Should Give This a Try

My most recent trip to the movie theater was to watch a new horror anthology film. I wanted to keep this train rolling, so I could think of no better way to do so than with yet another film showing off some of the genre’s best indie talents. I am referring to 2018’s anthology, Hi-Death.

The Plot

Two friends decide to take a “Death Tour” while visiting beautiful Hollywood, California. They are taken on an increasingly horrifying journey, created by some of the best independent directors today.

My Thoughts

This follow-up to 2013’s Hi-8 (Horror Independent 8) presents five new shorts from various directors. Each creator brings their own brand of horror to your screen as the film’s 102 minutes rolls on.

As is expected with any anthology film, some of the segments are more entertaining than others. Quite frankly, I am not sure I can say that I’ve ever seen an anthology flick where I liked every single entry. Hi-Death is no different in that regard.

A mixed bag of talent, Hi-Death does a great job at providing its audience a blend of horror delight. From Anthony Cantanese’s “Death Has a Conscience” where death himself comes to visit some unlucky motel patrons to Amanda Payton’s “Night Drop” involving a video rental store employee who falls victim to a mysterious homemade film and the demons that come with it, there is something here for everyone.

While I wasn’t a fan of some of these shorts, I feel this is a great watch for anyone who supports independent horror. My least favorite of the bunch is Tim Ritter’s “Dealers of Death” and my favorite is, by far, “The Muse,” helmed by Todd Sheets.

Maybe it is because Sheets is the only filmmaker involved here that I have previous experience with, but I truly feel that his entry was the strongest in all areas.

The small is cast of “The Muse” consists of previous Todd Sheets collaborators, Dilynn Fawn Harvey, Jack McCord, Eve Smith, and more. This particular piece of Hi-Death shows off Sheets doing what he does best. I’ve stated in some of my other reviews of his work that this man has one of the most wild imaginations I’ve ever been able to witness on film.

Todd Sheets makes movies that gore lovers go crazy over. His movies are always quite different from one another, but they do always contain his particular style — nightmarish demon designs, boobs and blood galore, and tons of creativity not seen anywhere else.

Hi-Death also features a coherent wrap-around story, directed by Brad Sykes (who also directed the segment entitled “Cold Read”), that keeps things moving along nicely on this “death tour” of horrendous proportions.

The Verdict

Hi-Death, while not my favorite indie anthology film is still a fun one-time watch. If you are a fan of do-it-yourself, low-budget horror, this is a must-see for you.

It features five very unique styles of terror and impressive practical effects from all parties.

Make sure to pick up a copy of the DVD, available now from Wild Eye Releasing, in order to get all sorts of behind-the-scenes bonus materials along with the film.

I give this one 2.5 healing wound licks out of 5.