Review by Chris Rennirt
Some of the most disturbing moments in life are those when your spouse is having a moody reaction to something and you don’t know why. He/she isn’t acting “normal,” and what the hell could it be? “Is it something I did? What did I do?” you’re thinking…worrying. Worse is the cold shoulder when you go for a routine kiss. Chilling! Honeymoon (2014), directed by Leigh Janiak, is all the more effective because it connects to common, uncomfortable feelings we can all relate to, expanding exponentially to reveal the worst horror–the kind that doesn’t just upset you for the day; the kind that kills you forever. The dysfunction in Honeymoon is anything but honey just having a bad day. Instead, it’s the beginning of one of the best horror/sci-fi films I’ve seen in a while.
Bea (Rose Leslie) and Paul (Harry Treadaway) in Honeymoon
What begins as an idyllic honeymoon in the woods, away from city stress, smog, and modern technology, soon turns sinister and deadly. Yes, it’s another cabin-in-the-woods terror-tale for sure. But if you’re looking for the same old retread, you won’t find it here. After a walk in these woods, let’s just say (to avoid a spoiler) that someone isn’t the same again. That creepy, what-the-hell-is-wrong feeling never goes away.
Bea (Rose Leslie) happily on top of things, in Honeymoon
Honeymoon is an Indie film, working with the usual limits; but, once again, it proves that great horror/sci-fi films don’t need great budgets. Stripped of fat and nonessentials, director Leigh Janiak produces a lean, well-exercised nail biter, overflowing with enough mystery, dread, and fear for two movies rather than one. Bea (Rose Leslie) and Paul (Harry Treadaway) are the happy newlyweds, filled with the hormones of new love, ready for a quiet, romantic honeymoon away from life’s usual stresses. The two actors have great chemistry; thus, an intense, believable relationship develops well before anything out of the ordinary occurs. (Being distracted by inauthentic performances is one of the worst movie misfires, and it doesn’t happen here). The “overflowing dread and fear” of horror are added exponentially with excellent acting from Leslie and Treadway. Their subtleties and nuances of expression create a character study as much as a horror film that delivers. Aside from a couple of other characters seen briefly, the focus is on them, and they make the most of it.
In horror, honeymoon’s never last long.
Why did Bea and Paul honeymoon in a cabin in the woods? Haven’t they seen enough horror movies to know better? Why did Bea leave the comfort of her newlywed bed with Paul to go into the woods? What happened to her, after being alone, among so many trees in the middle of the night? Will Paul ever tell Bea to rest her womb again? Has Bea really forgotten how to make French toast? And will Paul find a way to hide in the water?
“My body is here, but I’m leaving. They’re–they’re taking me. They’re taking everything.” ~ Bea
I am being intentionally vague and general with this review for a reason. I know I often say that a movie is better seen knowing as little as possible, and sometimes it’s used more loosely than seriously. But this time, I mean it! That’s why–save for a few generic screenshots, a cryptic quote, and questions for thought–I’m not even including the trailer. If anyone tries to tell you more, show you more, or spoil it in any way, tell them to stop, politely at first, and then yell if necessary.
Paul (Harry Treadaway) with Bea’s “special honeymoon nightgown”
Go ahead, get on Netflix, VUDU or whatever account you have ASAP, find Honeymoon, and watch it! With Megelanic mysteries, cosmic clues and galactic gore, this otherworldly winner comes well-awarded–an easy eight-rocket ride at SJR! Highly recommended for a single watch, if not a permanent addition to your sci-fi horror collection, it’s currently (as of the writing of this review) available “Free with Ads” on VUDU! When was the last time you were offered eight fully-fueled rockets for free?
Rocket Rating – 8
Chris Rennirt (the author of this review) is a movie critic and writer in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as editor in chief at Space Jockey Reviews. He has been a judge at many film festivals, including Macabre Faire Film Festival and Crimson Screen Film Fest, and he attends horror and sci-fi conventions often. Chris’ movie reviews, articles, and interviews are published regularly on Space Jockey Reviews and in Effective Magazine. His mission statement (describing his goals as a movie critic and philosophy for review writing) can be found on the “Mission” page, here at SJR. For more information about Chris Rennirt (including contact details, publicity photos, and more), click here.
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