In recent years, the term “divisive” has become a catch-all for political discord, inspiring horror movies seeking to tap into the fanatical beliefs and alarmist rhetoric that define our era. ‘Founders Day,’ directed by Erik Bloomquist and opening on 700-plus U.S. screens, attempts to elevate itself beyond typical indie productions by slickly intertwining political rancor with the horror of a small-town slasher.
The film dives headfirst into a hostile mayoral race in the seemingly idyllic town of Fairwood. Incumbent Blair Gladwell (Amy Hargreaves) and brash challenger Harold Faulkner (Jayce Bartok) are locked in a fierce battle, portraying stereotypical Type A personalities with no discernible political platform. While the intention is satire, the film’s toothless approach fails to deliver a biting commentary on contemporary politics.
The candidates’ supporters mirror their animosity, yet the film never explores the underlying political issues driving their fervent loyalties. The lack of depth leaves a void where meaningful satire should reside, rendering the political commentary feeble. Meanwhile, the horror elements unfold in a standard slasher vein, with formulaic scenes of teens meeting gory deaths, catering to undiscerning viewers.
The script, co-written by Erik and Carson Bloomquist, stumbles in its climactic revelations, and the epilogue adds insult to injury, leaving patrons rolling their eyes in unamused disbelief. The tonal mix of unsubtle comedy and thrills clashes like oil and water, reminiscent of the Bloomquists’ prior horror endeavors.
While the film boasts a decently paced production and colorful lighting effects, the polished surface can’t mask a progression that fails to deliver genuine scares or cleverness. The lack of suspenseful buildup and predictable kills make ‘Founder’s Day’ fall short of its ambitions.
The cast, including Hargreaves, Bartok, and Curtin, is encouraged towards caricature without material funny or intelligent enough to make it work. Though not convincingly portraying high schoolers, the younger performers manage to play it reasonably straight, adding a modicum of believability to the proceedings. However, the characters lack development, with twists feeling forced and kills lacking creativity.
Naomi Grace delivers a standout performance as Allison, bringing a perfect balance of vulnerability and strength to her character. Her chemistry with co-star Olivia Nikkanen adds an extra layer of tension to the film’s already suspenseful plot. Grace’s ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and nuance is truly impressive, and she shines in every scene she’s in. With Founders Day, Naomi Grace proves herself to be a talent to watch in the world of horror cinema.
‘Founders Day’ attempts to tap into the whodunnit slasher, drawing inspiration from genre stalwarts like ‘Scream’ and ‘Thanksgiving.’ The film succeeds in providing gory kills and a memorable villain with a sweeping black cloak, adding a suitably creepy and unnerving touch to the horror elements. Yet, it falls into the trap of borrowing too heavily from existing genre members, needing its own flair and unique edge.
The filmmakers deserve credit for assembling a commendable cast, with lead Naomi Grace delivering a believable performance as Allison. However, the characters, aside from the lead, need help to garner audience support, as most are annoying and unlikeable. The film’s inconsistent tone, oscillating between light fun and serious drama, coupled with underdeveloped political discourse, leaves it with an identity crisis.
‘Founders Day is a mixed bag, providing gory kills, a memorable villain, and a familiar yet fun premise. While the cast attempts to keep viewers invested, the film borrows too heavily from existing material, needs to find its own identity, and struggles to find a balance between satire and horror. It may be a good use of an evening but might serve better as a background watch, failing to leave a lasting impression in the realm of political satire and slasher horror.