FILM: Aftershock
I confess. I’m a sucker for films set in Chile. Maybe it’s because I wrote a book set in Chile. Maybe it’s because I’ve always wanted to go to Chile. That said, I wouldn’t want to be a tourist in Chile experiencing what the tourist group in Eli Roth’s gory road trip experience Aftershock did, which is set in that country.
Not as bloody as it could be by half, the film begins with Gringo (played by Roth) attempting to enjoy the end of his Chilean vacation with ersatz tour guides Pollo (Nicolas Martinez) and Ariel (Ariel Levy). Looking for some action, bar hopping, the trio meet up with sexy American step sisters and their Russian friend, and they head off for a night of drinking in Valpariso.
After disaster hits a busy night club, and chaos reigns, the formulaic but fun – caveat, you must like this genre for it to be fun – disposal of these characters in classic horror film style, begins.
Are there jumps, bumps, and cringe or scream worthy moments? Yes. Did the scenes of Chile satisfy my craving for a visit to the country? Yes. Not the be all or bloody end all of this genre, not exactly a travel tribute to Chile either, but for those craving horror and chaos in a foreign setting, it fits the bill well.
Aftershock will open in theaters nationwide tomorrow, May 10.