Channeling a mix of Stranger Things and Stand By Me, the Canadian horror flick Summer of 84 also reminds me of Monster Squad. I liked how it’s a solid mystery thriller featuring a group of likable kids. One of them is played by Judah Lewis, who seems to be in a good number of horror movies these days. The leader of the group, Davey, is played by Graham Verchere, who offers up film noir style voiceover narration.
A serial killer of kids is loose, and Davey in true Rear Window fashion suspects his neighbor. Problem is that neighbor is a cop, and a well respected one at that. Gathering up his friends, Davey decides to investigate despite the possible consequences. I rather liked the use of walkie talkies to spy on someone, plus the film’s excellent, very 1980s score.
Even though Summer of 84 moves a bit too slow at times, it’s still a really good and enjoyable movie. The last act works incredibly well and there are scenes that are very suspenseful. “Even serial killers live next door to someone.” A rather chilling line, and all too sadly true.
Down The Rabbit Hole 