"The Sacrifice Game", a supernatural thriller pitting a Manson-like cult against the last few occupants of a girls' boarding school, attempts to build upon an eclectic mix of influences ranging from Quentin Tarantino's filmography to cult classics like "Fargo" and '70s horror movies such as "Black Christmas" and "Deathdream".
However, as much as it tries to weave these varied influences into its fabric, "The Sacrifice Game" struggles to create an atmosphere that is compelling enough. It steps too close into Tarantinian territory, especially recalling "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" during its opening scene itself.
The boarding school's final inhabitants - shy students Samantha (Madison Baines) and Clara (Georgia Acken), friendly young teacher Rose (Chloe Levine), and her athletic boyfriend Jimmy (Gus Kenworthy) - fall short in creating a connection before being coerced into a macabre supernatural ritual. An attempt to bring their personalities to life comes a little too late.
Playing their tormentors are a set of groovy rogue killers led by Jude (Mena Masoud), joined by Doug (Laurent Pitre), Maisie (Olivia Scott Welch), and Grant (Derek Johns), all decked in a kitschy, vintage aesthetic. Their plan for a blood sacrifice goes south, leading to an epic showdown with their captives.
"The Sacrifice Game" features some uncomfortable dialogue, thanks to Jenn Wexler’s direction and co-writer Sean Redlitz. The timing and pace of their conversations often make the movie seem longer than its 99-minute runtime, which makes it hard for actors, particularly newcomers, to deliver convincing performances and for the audience to care about the characters.
Indeed, Wexler seems to be more at ease as a director rather than as a writer. Cinematographer Alexandre Bussiere occasionally makes the most out of the movie's setting, infusing some dramatic elements within the confines of the boarding school. Yet, the film lacks the chilling atmosphere a supernatural thriller ought to provide.
Unfortunately, the heart that went into creating "The Sacrifice Game" based on a love for cinema doesn't transfer onto the screen. Even genre fans may find it challenging to find something unique or engaging within this familiar tale.
