The Horror Show
The Dinner Party
by Miles Doleac
Jeff, an aspiring playwright, and his wife, Haley, attend a dinner party hosted by wealthy investors who may be interested in financing his first play if the young couple can impress them. In any other genre of film this would sound like an ordinary, cut and dry synopsis, however, this is a horror movie called The Dinner Party, so we know things are anything but ordinary and are about to get wild real quick.
Things sure get wild, but definitely not quickly, I’ll be up front and honest about that one right away. At nearly two hours long, The Dinner Party is extremely slow to start and you may find your mind wandering or your finger hovering over the fast forward button. There was quite a bit that could have been cut out of the first act, however, I will say that the dialogue is stimulating enough at parts as we’re given thoughtful insight into each character trope in the form of tarot cards and opera discussions.
No particular character is likeable, especially Jeff, who right off the bat establishes himself as the film’s douchebag. Sebastian was probably my favorite character out of the bunch, but to be honest, most of the cast was eccentric and fitting — albeit exaggerated — aside from Jeff and Haley. I honestly wish the movie would have been more about the hosts and their whole modus operandi as opposed to their dinner guests. Haley just wasn’t a believable trauma victim, I’m not sure if it was the actress or if she was told to play the part that way considering how things unfold, but there was just something about her that didn’t click for me.
The film is artistic with sufficient amounts of blood and practical effects. Could there have been a bit more death and dismemberment for my liking? Absolutely. In a movie that boasts cannibals and cults you better believe I came here for blood, but it honestly felt more like an absurd comedy at moments with a drastic turn of events and an oddly happy ending.
The Dinner Party is an entertaining indie film that might lack in some areas, but where it does it makes up for it with heart.
HMS received a screener of this film in exchange for honest review. It’s available now to stream On Demand.
Stevie Kopas, HMS
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