In the rather apt setting of Salem, Massachusetts, Mass Hysteria aims its dart somewhere between comedy and slapstick horror.
Its a tough life being part of a re-enactment crew, especially given the heckles and the frat boys to deal with, especially around Halloween.
Salem is a hot tourist spot anyway, but around the time when the leaves turn auburn and the spirits of the dead come to warm themselves by the fireside, also comes the need for spookily-themed entertainment.
On the whole, Mass Hysteria’s jokes mainly land and its focus on underdogs is certainly relatable plus the ensemble is quite likeable.
When someone drops dead at a re-enactment of the Salem Witch Trials, as the title suggests, mass hysteria begins with one of the crew labeled as a witch and hunted down along with the rest of the crew.
Clearly made on a low budget, Mass Hysteria more than makes up for this with plenty of heart and a splatter of gore when required.
At 66 minutes it doesn’t outstay its welcome and is a perfect viewing in the lead up to the Halloween season.
Mass Hysteria from the Horror Collective is now streaming on Shudder.
Watch the trailer for Mass Hysteria below –
