Scared to Death (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

When Jasper (Olivier Paris), an aspiring filmmaker, has an opportunity to leave his mark on the world of cinema, he jumps at that chance. Jasper schedules a seance in order to prepare the cast and crew for the upcoming shoot, but what transpires after they begin has them all Scared to Death. 

Scared to Death unapologetically leans into the ridiculousness that often comes with comedy-horror films. It’s lacking emotional gusto, it’s narratively wonky, and it’s meant to be a film with some social relevance that still allows you to shut your brain off. The film truly hits the mark in these regards, finding ways to both antagonize and thrill viewers with its blend of horror and comedy. Scared to Death is familiar, however, and its inability to separate itself from the slew of other similar films is a bit frustrating. Take the plunge, try something new—but Writer-Director Paul Boyd errs on the side of caution and sticks with something that has worked for a multitude of films that have come before Scared to Death. 

Low-budget sci-fi and fantasy films such as Scared to Death test the bounds of what is possible with a bit of elbow grease and a can-do attitude. This is where Scared to Death thrives. Hair and makeup design is intentionally wonky at times, playing into the expectations that may exist with the knowledge that Scared to Death may not have had access to the funds that Hollywood’s blockbusters have in recent years. The film understands what restrictions have been placed on it, and Boyd does a wonderful job of using those things to the film’s advantage. Furthermore, the hair and makeup department, as well as the props department create sometimes silly visuals that also allow viewers to suspend disbelief and feel welcomed into the film. Overall, Scared to Death includes an effective balance in terms of its visuals, ultimately becoming the film’s anchor. 

Furthermore, the acting is compelling in the sense that it’s intentionally unbalanced and emotionally ineffective. You’re never going to feel emotionally connected to the characters in Scared to Death, nor will you care what happens to them by the film’s conclusion. What each of the actors brings to the table, however, is something firmly rooted in the schlocky nature of films of this subgenre. These characters are the absurd archetypes that you’ve seen so many times (with little variation). In short, these characters are what you’d expect. They are provided minimal depth, and the actors step up in each of their respective roles, providing a level of charisma that is slightly infectious, and possesses a level of vigor that is inviting. 

If you’ve seen one campy horror film, you’ve seen them all—at least to a degree. Scared to Death isn’t much different than the thousands of campy horror films that came before it, and I suppose that’s alright. The cornerstone of this film is its aesthetic, combining ridiculousness and grounded aspects to create something silly, but also accessible. Scared to Death does its job, but I anticipate that its niche will likely attract a smaller crowd. 

Written & Directed by Paul Boyd. 

Starring Lin Shaye, Bill Moseley, Olivier Paris, Victoria Konefal, Jade Chynoweth, B.J. Minor, Kurt Deimer, etc. 

6/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING