I really wanted to like this movie more...
I've been eyeing this for sometime while it was being crowdfunded on indiegogo. Finally got a chance to watch and was very disappointed. Here are my issues.
My biggest draw to the film was that it was hyped on being a perfect 80s throwback to the VHS era of slashers. They do an OK job with the music, but I wasn't convinced with the film actually taking place in the 80s. The actors just look like modern kids going to an 80s party and they picked out 80s clothes as best as they could from a thrift store. The film itself has cheesy 80s filters that do not not feel genuine.
The practical effects were ehhh. Obviously done on an extremely low budget. Mix of practical and digital that reminds me of movies like Thankskilling. Appreciate the effort though.
Acting was pretty flat and I didn't care for any of the characters. Again super low budget. Even has a cameo with Linnea Quigley who's a seasoned scream queen, but you would have guessed this was her first time on screen.
The story, to be fair has some cool concepts, but gets drawn out way too long. I honestly think I would have been way more excepting of The Barn if it was just a quick short film or part of an anthology.
The only reason I gave this 2 stars was for the movie artwork and merchandise they put out. The art is awesome and alludes to a well polished/stylized film. It is enough to make you want to watch it, but that's about where it ends unfortunately.
To wrap... this is more than just low budget, it's DIY. Many of the other reviews seem like they are connected to the film and are obviously biased. If you are OK with DIY then you may be able to look past a lot of it's flaws, but be warned there are many.
