Dead End (2003)

a review by Jackie Tracey

Let me start off by saying I think this movie is super underrated. Not only is it one of my all time favorite holiday horror movies, but one of my favorite horror movies overall.

Dead End follows a family en route to a grandmother’s house on the evening of Christmas Eve. When the father decides to take a shortcut down a wooded road, the night takes an eerie turn. It stars Lin Shaye (the grandmother of horror, in my eyes) and Ray Wise as the parents, as well as Alexandra Holden and Mick Cain as their children.

Released in 2003, it’s chock full of the humor of that era (like Ray’s character, Frank, referring to Marilyn Manson as a woman named Marilyn Bronson), and it definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously. The son though, is clearly meant to be a cringy comic relief.

The thing that works about this movie to me is the eerie atmosphere. It feels akin to things like “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and even some “Twilight Zone” episodes. There’s not a ton of gore. It’s more about what you’re not seeing than what you are. It gives you a feeling of no escape and doesn’t let up.

Additionally, there are some stellar performances. I cannot say enough about Lin fucking Shaye in this movie. Her wide range of emotions, and her slow descent into madness is truly something to behold. Everyone really holds their own though.

The music also lends itself well to the tension and atmosphere. Also, some of the other audio choices will likely stick with you. (Without spoilers, there is a moment where the car’s windows are too fogged up to see through, and you just briefly see a shadow and hear a voice almost angrily saying, “she’s dead!”. I legit still think about this from time to time.)

The ending is a little polarizing for audiences, but I really dig how it all comes together. Anyway, give it a goddamn go if you haven’t yet. I really think this movie needs a bigger cult following than it has. Happy fucking holidays!

4 out of 5