Night of the Reaper (2025) - Film Review

      **Night of the Reaper, 2025.**

      Directed by Brandon Christensen.

      Starring Jessica Clement, Ryan Robbins, Summer H. Howell, Keegan Connor Tracy, Matty Finochio, Ben Cockell, Max Christensen, Bryn Samuel, Savannah Miller, Susan Serrao, and David Feehan.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      In a serene 1980s suburb, college student Deena returns home and reluctantly accepts a last-minute babysitting job. On the same night, the local sheriff receives an enigmatic package that draws him into a malevolent scavenger hunt, initiating a perilous game of cat and mouse with a ruthless killer. As the clues unfold, Deena becomes trapped in a terrifying mystery that she might not escape.

      Shudder’s newest original, *Night of the Reaper*, creatively merges classic slasher and murder mystery elements, offering a fresh take on the babysitter-targeted-by-a-serial-killer trope. Guided by Brandon Christensen and featuring Jessica Clement, the film delivers a tense and captivating horror experience.

      The narrative follows Deena, played by Clement, a college freshman who returns home and steps in for her sick friend's babysitting job just as the local sheriff receives evidence connected to a series of murders. This begins a thrilling pursuit as he carefully navigates each clue. Deena’s seemingly simple babysitting night transforms into her own horror story as she faces terror, shifting her role from victim to protector.

      The film artfully reinterprets many classic horror tropes in an engaging manner. Co-written by Brandon and Ryan Christensen, it showcases their passion for the genre by playing with familiar references from films like *Halloween* and *Scream*. The cat-and-mouse mystery adds an intriguing layer for viewers, highlighting the depths of the killer’s threat to their small town.

      Clement delivers an outstanding performance as Deena, sharing authentic moments with her friend Haddie, portrayed by Savannah Miller. Despite their limited screen time together, their friendship feels genuine, with Miller’s vibrant and exuberant nature contrasting nicely with Clement’s more reserved demeanor. She also shares strong chemistry with Max Christensen, the child Deena babysits, revealing deeper aspects of her character as she displays her cleverness.

      Ryan Robbins’ portrayal of Sheriff Arnold is equally compelling, as he embarks on a clue-driven scavenger hunt, growing increasingly determined to capture the remorseless killer. Robbins skillfully balances his role as the town sheriff with that of a grieving husband, showcasing how his sorrow drives him into a compulsive pursuit of the truth. Although her screen time is limited, Summer H. Howell impressively captures a range of emotions in her brief role as the film's initial victim, moving from a caring babysitter to a terrified young woman. Other noteworthy performances include Ben Cockell and Bryn Samuel as a pair of teenage boys who may or may not be implicated in the Sheriff’s investigation.

      The film prioritizes tension and suspense over jump scares and gore, utilizing the latter sparingly, as expected in a slasher. Christensen masterfully builds scene tension, placing characters in believable predicaments that leave the audience guessing what will transpire next as he creatively subverts familiar tropes.

      *Night of the Reaper* is an engaging slasher that pays tribute to classic films while infusing its unique perspective on established genre elements through its characters. The cast shines, with Clement and Robbins delivering emotionally rich performances, complemented by the Christensens’ script and Brandon Christensen’s direction, which successfully blends slasher and mystery elements.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★**

      Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more film news and discussions.