ALL GIRLS WEEKEND
Review

There’s a lot more to ALL GIRLS WEEKEND than just a group of girls in the woods that perish one by one.  The film plays out as an adventure and mystery, complimented by action and horror making you wonder who will survive, if anyone.  It opens with mother daughter dramatic and chilling scene which raises the questions, why is she doing that and how will this relate to the girls going on the getaway weekend?

The movie doesn’t rush into the horror and mystery, it makes sure to introduce you adequately to each character and it’s done in a manner so you get to know them very well and like them. They each have a unique personality which keeps the story’s conflict moving forward and they will clash occasionally.

A majority of horror films have a definitive monster or killer, but in ALL GIRLS WEEKEND, it’s the unknown that makes the film engrossing.  Bad things continue to happen to the girls and as they keep going in circles on the mountain, they also start to believe that something is keeping them from leaving.  Soon, the audience witnesses that a supernatural force is the one that’s after them.  The desperation to get home escalates due to the freezing temperatures with occasional snow and sleet falling on them.

The film gets into your head and keeps you wondering throughout.  The unknown along with wind and eerie sounds that may be a voice is more terrifying in the mind than big CGI monsters. To make matters worse, they’re forced to find immediate shelter due to an injury. The situation has tempers flaring and the girls patience is wearing thin, but their strong bond has them press on.

Considering the nature and the power that is taking lives, the death scenes were perfect under the circumstances.  Some of the girls die a brutal death, but some had their lives taken by a supernatural power as if it just sucked the life right out of them.  There’s more to it than the supernatural and the climax makes things clear in regards to the past, current, and future events on the mountain.

ALL GIRLS WEEKEND is not a slasher movie, so do not expect or want gore and mutilation, this is a quality thriller horror.

PRODUCTION NOTES:

Filmed on a wooded Georgia mountain, the location was perfect for the film.  The girls can’t escape and the rough terrain, abandoned house, and ruins, all contribute to the eerie settings.  The limited indoor scenes were ideal locations too including, the house on the mountain and especially the living room with the Lou Simon influenced décor hanging on the walls.

Simon is an well-regarded Director and simply because she knows how to tell a good story by showing the audience and not overusing dialogue.  She’s excellent at getting the audience to understand each character without taking up too much time.  When you watch a Simon film she does so in a style that makes you feel like you’re there with the characters. She does a great job with ALL GIRLS WEEKEND getting into the audiences head and gets them questioning what’s going on and provides some twists.

Composer Michael Damon has worked with Simon on her previous films and he provides the ideal amount of music and sound effects.  The eerie background music and tones for shock value takes you back to classic horror films.

A lot of praise goes to Jamie Bernadette, Katie Carpenter, Gema Calero, Sharron Calvin, and Karishma Lakhani.  These actresses all did a great job and were believable as a group of true friends.  They fed off each other’s actions and worked very well together.   They also deserve credit for braving the harsh filming conditions.

Jamie Bernadette plays the role of the rough around the edges and tough girl Nancy and is superb in her role.
Katie Carpenter is Daniella and she’s the one organizing the entire weekend and keeps control of the weekend plans.
Gema Calero plays the innocent Gem, the friend that just wants to get along with everyone and have fun.
Sharron Calvin is the friend Annie brought on the trip by Nancy because Annie going through a tough time.  Being the outsider of the group, she goes with the flow and is just happy to be on the trip.
Stephanie played by Karishma Lakhani is also the middle of the road friend that is simply excited to be with everyone and is the one trying to keep the peace.

ALL GIRLS WEEKEND is currently available on VOD and highly recommended if you appreciate a good thriller and intriguing characters.