The name of filmmaker Marcel Walz is starting to become well-known in slasher circles.
The German director has gained favourable reviews from previous films Blind and Pretty Boy (which premiered at Frightfest 2022). He has now returned with That’s A Wrap, an attempt at a meta, gory slasher set at a film wrap party.
Sadly, whereas the aforementioned films felt oddly unique in the slasher oeuvre, which we all know is built around a particular formula, That’s A Wrap feels like a poor rehash of better films.
Kudos to Walz though, who needs commending for his bold approach – he even tries a take on the shower scene in That’s A Wrap.
The issues with the film lie in its execution and the fact is severely lacks any sort of tension, plus as a whodunit, it’s actually quite easy to solve. Walz also seems obsessed with lighting his scenes with neon lights, even when it lacks any sort of logic. It just feels like an easy route to lighting your scenes without, well, lighting them effectively.
While those are its weaknesses, That’s A Wrap does excel in its kills, which are creative and vicious and sometimes completely laughable. One character who has been castrated decides to have one last toke of his joint instead of fighting back against the killer, for example.
The electronic music is a fun, synthy collection but sadly this doesn’t help bring gravitas to some scenes.
That’s A Wrap will certainly please gorehounds, but anyone beyond that crowd could be found wanting.
That’s A Wrap screens as part of Frightfest 2023.
Bloody Flicks 