Am I the only one who remembers Prank from 2008? Directed by Heather Lagenkamp and Danielle Harris and starring Jennifer Blanc, Prank was set to light the horror world on fire. The only problem was… We never got to see it. It disappeared off the genre map and everyone was left to wonder. Fast forward to 2013 and Danielle Harris finally hits the nail on the head with Among Friends, and since this one has actually been released, we can gladly refer to it as her directorial debut.
Among Friends takes place at a twisted dinner party. Bernadette serves as the psychotic hostess, and takes it upon herself to distribute justice amongst her friends that have wronged either themselves or each other. From a drunken ménage à trois to date rape, the punishments are served one by one, and it’s up to each friend to vote for what happens to the other person. Justice isn’t served without meaning at this party, rather it is methodical and cruel. Castration, scalping, nailing hands to the table, and sawing off fingers; it’s all just an average Friday night at Bernadette’s house.
The cameos in this film might be more memorable than the film itself. Jules, tripping on mushrooms, has a vision of Michael Biehn strapped to the table beside her, and in what might be standout scene of the film, clearly sees Danielle Harris herself in the famous clown costume from Halloween fame uttering the name “Rachel…Rachel”. AJ Bowen does a fantastic job in this film in his role of Adam, continuing his recent horror movie familiarity (House of the Devil, You’re Next, Hatchet II, A Horrible Way to Die). And of course, Mr. Kane Hodder himself as the Limo Driver. I found it quite humorous to see the mighty Jason brought down by such small woman.
Among Friends is an amazing addition to any collection out there. Danielle Harris has proven herself time and time again to be the reigning champion of the horror world. This movie offshoots murder with personal vindication and exposes how far human beings will go when they believe they have been wronged. The storytelling is miles ahead of the mainstream horror movie, brilliantly written by Alyssa Lobit. Danielle Harris has finally added director to her resume. And that’s a damn good resume.
The cameos in this film might be more memorable than the film itself. Jules, tripping on mushrooms, has a vision of Michael Biehn strapped to the table beside her, and in what might be standout scene of the film, clearly sees Danielle Harris herself in the famous clown costume from Halloween fame uttering the name “Rachel…Rachel”. AJ Bowen does a fantastic job in this film in his role of Adam, continuing his recent horror movie familiarity (House of the Devil, You’re Next, Hatchet II, A Horrible Way to Die). And of course, Mr. Kane Hodder himself as the Limo Driver. I found it quite humorous to see the mighty Jason brought down by such small woman.
Among Friends is an amazing addition to any collection out there. Danielle Harris has proven herself time and time again to be the reigning champion of the horror world. This movie offshoots murder with personal vindication and exposes how far human beings will go when they believe they have been wronged. The storytelling is miles ahead of the mainstream horror movie, brilliantly written by Alyssa Lobit. Danielle Harris has finally added director to her resume. And that’s a damn good resume.