Horrorfest 2015 Presents: The Final Terror (1983, Andrew Davis)

 

Andrew Davis’ cult classic slasher thriller The Final Terror is everything I wanted in a slasher film from the 80s. It’s a harrowing, eerie and suspenseful film that once things go south becomes relentless. I like that there is literally no soundtrack at times, and the film’s cast is quite famous for a low budget 80s horror movie. Davis went on to big budget films such as Under Siege and The Fugitive, two other famous thrillers. The wilderness setting is perfect for such a movie, although granted the I it doors was featured in many slasher movies released during that era.

The cast doesn’t hurt either: you have a young Daryl Hannah, Rachel Ward, Adrian Zmed and Joe Pantoliano. Although there are some typical slasher cliches I liked that this film has its own surprises and is better directed than many films of the early 80s. Davis showcased a natural talent early on and went on to fulfill that promise. If only more 80s slasher had been as great as this one.