SAWED OFF (2021) Reviews of Evil Dead meets Groundhog Day-style horror

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Sawed Off is a 2021 American horror film about two hunters, vying for the affections of the same woman, who find themselves on cursed land. The former friends keep killing each other and coming back to life. The story is reminiscent of The Evil Dead and Groundhog Day.

Directed and edited by Hunter Johnson (Irrational Fear; California ParanormalSerena Waits2 Jennifer) from a screenplay co-written with Jody Barton, from a storyline by Chuck Wagner, based on the latter’s Eclipse Comics story ‘Bag Limit’, published in Tales of Terror in 1986.

Produced by Jody Barton, Jarrett Furst, Cristobal Hernandez, Trae Ireland, Hunter Johnson and director of photography Richard Trejo. Jeff Miller (The Toybox) executive produces along with James Cullen Bressack (director of Blood Craft; Bethany; Pernicious).

Special makeup effects were created by Oliver Poser (Aquaman).

The Millman Productions movie stars Eva Hamilton (Z Dead End; Cabal; Ouija House; Ruin Me), Trae Ireland (13/13/13) and co-scripter Jody Barton (Ugly Sweater Party).

Release:

In the US, Sawed Off will be released by Uncork’d Entertainment on digital platforms and DVD on October 11, 2022.

Our view:
Sawed Off suffers slightly from its obviously low budget and the audio is sometimes weak. However,  Hunter Johnson’s visuals are stylish and strong and the central trio cast is all excellent. The protagonists’ interactions are all palpable and relatable. Some of the dark humour goes down the Monty Python and the Holy Grail splattery route but that’s clearly the intention. Sawed Off is a tongue-in-cheek love/lust triangle based around an amusing Groundhog Day-style scenario with bloodletting a go-go. Recommended.
Adrian J Smith, MOVIES and MANIA

Other reviews:
“With a cursed land backstory (sometimes being animated with effective charcoal animations) at its heart, Sawed Off brings some pitch-black humor to its rivalry thanks to many unexpected resurrections as each man is left to die on their own, only to return time and time again, much to the other’s disbelief.” Reel Reviews

“I’d be lying if said Sawed Off couldn’t have used a bigger budget and a more original final act, but it still comes off better than a lot of go in the woods and die type movies. Fans of microbudget horror will enjoy it. And there’s enough in the way of action and effects that more mainstream viewers should too.” 3/5, Voices from the Balcony

Cast and characters:

Eva Hamilton … Marjorie
Trae Ireland … Frank
Jody Barton … Jon

Trailer:

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