Teens come-of-age in colorful horror-comedy set in southeastern Louisiana
Several students survive a school bus mishap and find refuge in an abandoned hotel in the thick woods. Who or what are the ferocious antagonists? Will any survive?
I thought “Unhuman” (2022) was going to be a survival venture akin to “A Question of Survival” by Steve Gerber in Adventure Into Fear #18 with the Man-Thing (1973), which involved survivors of a vehicle accident traversing the jungle for succor. It starts out like this, reminiscent of “Zombie Island Massacre” from the mid-80s and the more recent “The Summoning,” just mixed with “Night of the Living Dead” and “Shock Waves” (1977), particularly the dilapidated resort-facility of the latter.
Just when things get boring at the defunct hotel, an interesting twist is implemented. At the end of the day, this is an amusing commentary on teens turning the tables, non-entities rising to the challenge and bullies potentially being redeemed.
Brunette Ali Gallo stands out on the feminine front as Tamra with her big eyes. Too bad she spends most of the film with a jacket tied around her waist (rolling my eyes). Lo Graham is also worth a mention as blonde Jacey. On the masculine front, one of the guys looks like Peter Frampton.
While the flick is vibrant and hip, highlighted by Ali Gallo and the curveball, the last act becomes tedious despite the flashy editing and (empty) action. It needed tweaked for a more rewarding experience. Still, there are some worthwhile profundities.
It runs 1 hour, 31 minutes, and was shot in outer New Orleans.
GRADE: B-
