Cherry Falls – Film Review

Cherry Falls, directed by Geoffrey Wright, is a slasher film with a unique twist: the killer targets virgins. Released at a time when the slasher genre was experiencing a resurgence, the film attempts to blend horror with dark comedy, resulting in a movie that is both intriguing and frustrating.

Set in the small, idyllic town of Cherry Falls, the film begins with the brutal murder of two teenagers, Rod Harper (Jesse Bradford) and Stacy Twelfmann (Bre Blair), during a romantic escapade in the woods. The town’s sheriff, Brent Marken (Michael Biehn), begins investigating the murders, which soon escalate as more virgins are targeted. The killer, donned in a hooded cloak, carves the word “virgin” into the victims’ bodies, leaving a chilling message for the town.

The protagonist, Jody Marken (Brittany Murphy), is the sheriff’s daughter and finds herself at the center of the unfolding mystery. As the body count rises, the townspeople become desperate to protect their children. In a bizarre twist, the high school students, fearing for their lives, plan a “Pop Your Cherry” party to lose their virginity and escape the killer’s wrath.

Brittany Murphy shines as Jody Marken, delivering a performance that captures the vulnerability and strength of a teenage girl caught in a horrifying situation. Murphy’s ability to convey fear, confusion, and determination makes Jody a relatable and compelling character. Her chemistry with her on-screen father, Michael Biehn, adds emotional depth to the film, as their strained relationship becomes a central element of the story.

Michael Biehn, known for his roles in action films like The Terminator and Aliens, brings a stoic and intense presence to the role of Sheriff Brent Marken. His character’s dedication to solving the murders and protecting his daughter adds gravitas to the film, even when the script falters.

The supporting cast includes Jay Mohr as Mr. Leonard Marliston, a high school teacher with a mysterious past, and Candy Clark as Marge Marken, Jody’s mother. Both actors deliver solid performances, though their characters are not as fleshed out as they could be.

Cherry Falls attempts to subvert the typical slasher film trope by making virgins the target, rather than the survivors. This inversion adds a layer of dark humor to the film, as the high school students’ frantic efforts to lose their virginity create a bizarre and surreal atmosphere. The film touches on themes of sexual repression, the loss of innocence, and the pressures of societal expectations, albeit in a somewhat heavy-handed manner.

The underlying commentary on the dangers of moral panic and the hypocrisy of small-town values is present but not fully developed. The film could have delved deeper into the psychological and societal implications of its premise, but instead, it opts for a more straightforward slasher approach.

Geoffrey Wright’s direction is competent, but it lacks the flair and creativity needed to elevate Cherry Falls above its genre peers. The film’s pacing is uneven, with moments of tension and suspense interspersed with scenes that drag or feel redundant. Wright excels in creating a creepy atmosphere, particularly in the scenes set in the dense, fog-laden woods, but struggles to maintain a consistent tone throughout the film.

The cinematography by Anthony B. Richmond is effective in setting the mood, with the use of shadows and dim lighting adding to the film’s eerie ambiance. However, the visual style is fairly conventional, lacking the distinctive touches that could have made Cherry Falls more visually memorable.

For a slasher film, Cherry Falls is relatively restrained in its use of gore. The murder scenes are brutal but not excessively graphic, relying more on the implication of violence than explicit depictions. This approach can be both a strength and a weakness; it allows the film to maintain a level of suspense and psychological horror but may disappoint viewers seeking the visceral thrills typical of the genre.

The killer’s design is suitably menacing, with the hooded cloak and sharp weapon creating an iconic, if not particularly original, look. The special effects are competently executed, though they do not stand out as particularly innovative or groundbreaking.

One of Cherry Falls‘ most notable aspects is its dark humor. The film’s premise and the characters’ reactions to the virgin-targeting killer provide ample opportunities for satire and absurdity. The “Pop Your Cherry” party, in particular, is a standout scene that blends humor with horror in a way that is both unsettling and amusing.

However, the film’s humor is hit or miss. At times, it feels forced or out of place, detracting from the overall tension and atmosphere. The balance between horror and comedy is a delicate one, and Cherry Falls struggles to maintain it consistently.

Cherry Falls is a film with a lot of potential but falls short of fully realizing it. The unique premise and solid performances, particularly by Brittany Murphy, are highlights, but the uneven pacing, lack of depth in its themes, and inconsistent tone prevent it from becoming a standout in the slasher genre.

For fans of horror who appreciate a blend of dark humor and suspense, Cherry Falls offers a moderately entertaining experience. However, those seeking a more cohesive and impactful film may find themselves disappointed.