‘Bystanders’ Review: A Slasher Film That Offers A Unique Perspective

The Halloween season may be over, but it’s never a bad time to enjoy a good slasher film. Bystanders provides audiences with that classic horror slasher feel, while offering a unique perspective. Just as the name of the movie suggests, the movie delves into the moral ambiguity of “at what point do you, as a bystander; become complicit”? It’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, but it’s still something different to put enough of a spin on a classic theme.

Have you ever seen I Know What You Did Last Summer? If so, this part may sound familiar to you. Bystanders center around a group of friends getting together and because they turned a blind eye to a tragic event in the past, they are now literally haunted by their inactions. There’s some social commentary here that lays the groundwork for the stuff we’re all here for: the horror.

Don’t Worry, This is Still a Slasher Film

Bystanders has its jump scares, a masked man chasing everyone around, and that foreboding feeling that maybe, probably; everyone is going to die. While the film wants the viewer to think about how the characters’ inactions put them in the position they’re currently in, you can easily shut your brain off and enjoy it as a horror slasher film. If you want to dig deeper into the meaning behind the movie, then there is plenty to chew on.

While the cast is made up of mostly actors you maybe haven’t heard of, everyone does a solid job. They’re able to convey the right emotions at the right time. The frat boys in the movie come off as completely douchey, as intended; and the other characters do their job to really get you in the heart-pounding mood. When the movie wants you to feel that adrenaline rush, the cast does their job in delivering.

Pacing Isn’t The Greatest

A lot of movies and TV shows suffer from not getting their pacing right. While Bystanders has plenty of great moments where it hits the mark, there are some pacing issues. The second act specifically could have benefitted from better editing, because when it drags, it drags. It’s not completely bad, as the movie really has a great sound track and use of practical effects; but if it just had tighter pacing, it would have been better.

A Horror Film That’s Worth a Watch

Bystanders is a good movie to watch when you’re sitting at home, have nothing else to put on; and you’re in the mood for a good slasher. The film has the gore that every horror fan craves, while also adding a layer of complexity for the viewers. It’s not revolutionizing the genre, but it’s also not spitting on it. Bystanders may be slow at time, but it’ll definitely get your heart pounding!