After gaining some experience with a short film and a documentary, director Craig Tuohy shifts to the horror genre for his feature debut, “Everyone Is Going to Die,” produced by Saban Films. The story follows British real estate entrepreneur Daniel (played by Brad Moore), who seems to have it all: wealth and a young girlfriend named Julie (Marina Lazaris). However, due to his infidelity, he now has a strained relationship with his daughter Imogen (Gledisa Arthur).
Daniel invites his daughter Imogen to his opulent home for a birthday dinner in a last-ditch effort to mend their fractured relationship. As the evening unfolds, it becomes apparent that their rift is too deep to heal. Just as the tension reaches a peak, their lives take a harrowing turn when two masked intruders, known as Comedy (Jaime Winstone) and Tragedy (Chiara D’Anna), burst in brandishing shotguns. What follows is a deadly game of cat and mouse, forcing father and daughter to put aside their differences and unite in a desperate struggle for survival.
Upon viewing the trailer, mainstream audiences will surely think the film is a riff on similar home invasion thrillers, “Funny Games” and “The Strangers.” On the one hand, when the action kicks in and we see just how psychotic Comedy is, that’s the route I thought the film would take. However, we discover why the house was chosen during the third act. I tip my hat to Tuohy as he explores the sins of the father and toxic masculinity.
In terms of acting, Jamie Winstone delivers a captivating performance as the villain, showcasing a range of emotions that make her character both menacing and intriguing. Her intensity is effectively counterbalanced by Chiara D’Annibale, who portrays a more composed and strategic character, bringing a sense of calm amid the chaos.
As for the potential victims, Brad Moore and Gledisa Arthur excel in their roles, portraying characters that evoke empathy and concern from the audience. Their performances feel authentic, adding a layer of realism to the story. Since I wasn’t previously familiar with either actor, their fresh portrayals intensified the film’s tension. They kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Craig Tuohy keeps the run time short, and the film never overstays its welcome. That said, an extra ten minutes or so to flesh out some more of the reveal may have raised my final grade. Nevertheless, Tuohy shows promise in the genre, and I look forward to watching his career flourish.
Final Grade: B-
“EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE” is In Select Theaters, Digital, and On Demand on February 21st.
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