We are quite lucky as genre fans that outlets such as Arrow, Vinegar Syndrome and Severin Films unearth films from yesteryear that are ripe for reappraisal.
That brings us nicely to 1983’s Siege, a Canadian production that pulsates the same energy as something like Assault on Precinct 13.
While co-directors Paul Donovan and Maura O’Connell’s effort doesn’t hit the heights of Carpenter’s cult classic, there is plenty to admire here.
Forty years on, the crimes being committed, such as homophobic terror attacks are sadly more prevalent than ever, especially in the United States and Siege has a lot to say about it.
Another coincidence of watching it today, was the fact the crimes take place due to a Police Force strike in town of Halifax, which triggers an unwarranted attack on a gay bar by a gang branding themselves as the New Order; sound familiar? They might as well be Proud Boys and wearing MAGA caps.
While its early scenes are quite harrowing, Siege quickly finds its stride and when a lone survivor holes up in an apartment block, it is up to the residents to fight back against the gang by any means necessary.
Given the limited budget, Siege is also quite slick, and boasts some more grounded practical effects plus some slick cinematography. Donovan and O’Connell really captures the feel of isolation in a Purge-like manner as Halifax shuts down at night and residents just hope to survive.
Siege is definitely worth seeking out, and with a slick 2K scan recently in recent years by Severin, this is one vigilante justice film worth rediscovering.
Bloody Flicks 