Death Count (2022)
Film Review
by JannyC
“Strangers awaken in individual holding cells with no memory of how they got there. They realize if they don’t acquire enough online “likes” in a timely manner, they’ll die horribly at the hands of a sinister executioner.” -IMDb
Death Count (a.k.a. Numbers) is a peek into the dark side of the internet. The film provides a feast for fans of films like SAW (2004) and Hostel (2005) and comes from Mahal Empire Productions and the engine behind it, The Mahal Brothers, Michael and Sonny Mahal. The film’s writers Michael Merino and Rolfe Kanefsky and director Michael Su take us on a ride with an invitation to play a nasty game with The Warden (Costas Mandylor), who does not hide behind a creepy puppet, but rather dresses up like a medieval torturer. And torture he does.
On opening, we find six school educators who find themselves each locked in a cell and chained to a wall. They soon discover they must play a twisted game of self-mutilation. Tools provided, of course. This game is being streamed online, so they have to get viewers on their side and earn “likes” or they die a horrible death. Needless to say, bodies drop fast, blood flows freely. It really is a smorgasbord of gore, which will shock some and entertain others. Eventually, we are left with a select few “competitors” and begin to learn why these unfortunate souls were chosen. At one point I thought I had figured out who the killer is and their motive, but ended up surprised by the final reveal, which was the clincher for my enjoying this film. It was a satisfying journey.
With it being crowned Winner of Best of Fest Award at Shockfest Film Festival in 2021, it is not a surprise as Death Count is a pristine indie horror/suspense thriller you will want to watch multiple times.
Its success is also thanks to the stellar ensemble cast, made up of Mandylor, Sarah French, BJ Mezek, Robert Lasardo, Devanny Pinn, Wesley Cannon, Denny Nolan, Dave Shecter, Kimberly Lynn Cole, Dee Cutrone and Charles Solomon Jr., who perform their roles well and some experience the most cringing onscreen deaths I have seen in a long time. Their performances brought life to the special effects and makeup that went into making these death so cringe-worthy. I felt it. Additionally, Michael Madsen (of Kill Bill 1 & 2 and Species fame) lends his talent to the film and adds an air of credibility.
The Cinematography (also by director Michael Su, pulling double-duty) is well put together. I loved the sharp camera angle switches that add to the chaotic feel we get when these characters are locked up and forced to inflict themselves with some gruesome punishment. I also loved the track played at the end credits, The Torture Never Stops by The Distance. This song is most definitely on the Warden’s playlist.
Overall, Death Count sucks you into its tortured soul of justice; you might avert your eyes somewhat, but you just cannot fully look away.
My Score: 8 out of 10
The film is now available on VOD/DVD platforms (see below)! Check it out!
