Down The Road is a 2013 horror movie directed by Jason Christopher. The film focuses on four friends- Hunter, a sensitive painter played by Steve Marsh, Adam, a film buff with a cynical sense of humor played by Aidan Synnott, Mike, a prankster played by Joseph Kennedy, and Brian, a quiet and reserved college student, played by Martin Maynard.
The four friends set out on a road trip through rural New Jersey in order to attend a concert, but things take a terrifying turn when they get lost on a desolate back road. They soon discover an abandoned building that appears to be a mental institution and decide to investigate.
What follows is a series of shocking events that involve ghostly apparitions, a mysterious nurse, creepy children and demented doctors. The group quickly realizes that they are not alone in the building and are being terrorized by the malevolent spirits that haunt the asylum.
The filmâs pacing is slow and deliberate, which imbues it with a sense of foreboding dread that only intensifies as the story progresses. The cinematography is dark and atmospheric, with plenty of long shots of the building and its surroundings to give the audience a sense of place.
The filmâs setting is one of its strongest attributes. The mental institution is a haunting and eerie place, full of long hallways, flickering lights, and locked doors. The dark and oppressive atmosphere is almost a character in itself, and it adds to the movieâs overall sense of menace.
The performances are solid, with each member of the cast delivering a believable and compelling portrayal of their respective characters. Marsh is particularly effective as the tortured artist who is forced to confront his own demons in order to survive. Synnottâs dry wit provides some much-needed comic relief, while Kennedyâs antics provide some of the filmâs most disturbing moments.
One of the filmâs weaker aspects is its dialogue, which can be stilted and unnatural at times. This is particularly evident in the opening scene, where the four friends engage in an awkward conversation that feels forced and scripted.
Another area where the film falls short is in its reliance on jump scares. While effective at first, the constant use of loud noises and sudden movements quickly becomes tiresome, and it detracts from the filmâs overall sense of unease.
However, the film is successful in creating a palpable sense of tension and fear. The use of sound effects, particularly the haunting music and the moans and whispers of the spirits, adds to the filmâs unsettling atmosphere.
Despite its flaws, Down The Road is a solid horror movie that will satisfy fans of the genre. Itâs a well-made film that delivers on its promise of scares and chills, and itâs a perfect choice for a night of spooky entertainment.
Down The Road is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.