ARROW FRIGHTFEST (digital edition): Aquaslash
ARROW FRIGHTFESTRenaud Gauthier's Aquaslash is the love child of the setting of Jaws 3D meets the concept of The Final Destination in a resulting gloriously gory 80's throwback that self-indulges in the best possible meaning of the phrase.
Setting a revenge-fueled horror film in a water park is genius by writer-director Gauthier. The 80's aesthetic is implemented here by cinematographer Derek Branscombe quite effectively. It is never overly conscious in using any techniques to showcase its homage, but the visuals and score are just small, subtle throwbacks compared to the more considerable homage of its plot.
What is quite interesting in Gauthier’s film is the restraint the director showcases with his use of horror set-pieces. Less than a couple for the audience to witness are involved here, and it is somewhat surprising that a film so gory and indulging in B-movie territory as Aquaslash would restraint itself from excess – an attribute that, in any other case, would start to ring alarm bells.
Nevertheless, the main set piece alone will fill up the appetite of the audience with its commencement and resulting impact upon the film. It takes more than three-quarters of the film to reach said impasse but, regardless, it is definitely worth the wait. More so, the first two-thirds of the feature is writer-director Gauthier putting in a conscious and successful attempt at building character.
Madeline Harvey as Alice is as much of a standout as Brittany Drisdelle; both are arguably given the most screen time and, therefore, the most extensive degree of depth. They both use their respective sex appeal and expressiveness to their own gain to have fun and live their lives the way they want to. That being said, Gauthier writes these two characters into a dead-end – an underwhelming one at that. One more so disappointing than the other, yet, even then, Gauthier writes himself into a hole with no idea how to get himself out, with contradictions and gaffes up to his eyeballs. Clearly, from the description above, this is not a character-driven piece. However, Gauthier ticks every box and more so to add the high school dynamic and social brooding pot to an interesting and engaging degree.
All in all, Acquaslash is an aquatic blood-drenched blast. Understanding and exploiting its genre perfectly, yet still driving a piece with engaging characters. That being said, Gauthier does make his audience wait a little too long for the impending set-piece and struggles to sign off both effectively and sufficiently, yet still manages to land overall.
