Honeydew – Movie Review (4/5)

HONEYDEW is a new horror movie that has so much going for it. From the insanely good score to the creepy visuals. This is definitely one of the scariest things I’ve seen in a long time. In a different kind of way, but still. Don’t miss it. Read our full Honeydew movie review here!

HONEYDEW is a new horror movie that I hope will reach a huge audience. It won’t be for everyone, but if you love horror movies, then I can’t imagine you won’t find something you love in this. The story isn’t very big in itself, but the circumstances surrounding the story (which is scary in itself, as well) are awesome.

To me, the characters are interesting, but they are not what makes this movie. Well, okay, maybe some of them are. Still, all the little things combined make up something that far exceeds the sum of its parts. You’ll see!

Continue reading our Honeydew movie review below.

The sound of horror

This horror movie has one of the best scores I’ve heard in a while. In fact, much of the “music” doesn’t sound like it comes from instruments. Instead, it sounds like it’s mainly played “on” the human body. You’ll hear for yourself when you check out this movie.

Also, the dialogue and story aren’t what carries Honeydew. A lot of this movie is all about the emotion you get from what you see and hear. Well, okay, obviously, it’s from experiencing the characters in some strange and scary situations, so it is still about the people as well.

Still, the creepy visuals work so well that this could almost have been a movie without dialogue. It isn’t and I’m happy about that, but it’s a ballsy take on what it means to create horror. The result is difficult to describe so you’ll just have to experience it.

Also, having said that, I recognize that it won’t be for everyone. I say this rather frequently, but a movie like Honeydew does require your full attention. If you can’t give yourself two hours to enjoy this movie, then you probably won’t enjoy it overall. Watching bits and pieces of this movie won’t really do it justice.

A Texas Chainsaw Massacre kind of world

Honeydew has been compared to Texas Chainsaw Massacre since its first screenings. And yes, it is very easy to see why. No, there isn’t a guy with a chainsaw, but the house our couple arrives at is at least as creepy as the one in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Just in a different way, of course. Even if there are a few similarities.

What I’m getting at is simply that we are dealing with a very different kind of home. The characters living in the whole area are of a different kind – just like in the iconic Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie. If you enjoyed that crazy dining table scene, then you should enjoy the Honeydew horror movie as well.

Yes, it is Lena Dunham in Honeydew

At one point, a new character appears that will definitely make an impact. When you see her, your first thought just might be; Isn’t that Lena Dunham? And yes it is Lena Dunham portraying the character of Delilah in Honeydew. During the final half of the movie, her character becomes very important… and that’s all I’ll say about that.

The cast itself is lead by Sawyer Spielberg (yes, the son of Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw) and Malin Barr. They play a young couple who ends up at this house in a very rural area. The two work really well as a couple who should probably just break up and move on. It’s very organic in a tragic kind of way.

For me, the scene-stealer of Honeydew ended up being the character played by Barbara Kingsley. She’s the little old lady with a peculiar son, who takes in the young couple when their car breaks down. Her name is Karen, and Barbara Kingsley manages to create a character that immediately stuck with me. Even though I would probably like to forget her!

Don’t miss out on Honeydew

Devereux Milburn directed Honeydew and also wrote the screenplay. The story itself is by both Devereux Milburn and Dan Kennedy, who is also the cinematographer of this movie. This is the feature film debut of Devereux Milburn and one hell of a way to introduce yourself as a feature film director.

I cannot wait to see what comes next. Hopefully with Max Kennedy on board as the cinematographer since this duo creates amazing imagery. Also, if composer John Mehrmann would also join them for another movie, I would be in horror heaven.

This is definitely the kind of movie, who will either strike a nerve with you or leave you confused. It’s brutal in terms of both the relationship portrayed and the characters’ interactions with one another. No, not in the classic slasher sense. Instead, we’re talking violence in a different kind of way. The kind that seems never-ending!

Honeydew is out on-demand and digital from April 13, 2021. From November 11, 2021, HONEYDEW will also be available on Shudder.

Details

In Theaters: March 12, 2021
On-Demand and Digital: April 13, 2021
Shudder: November 11, 2021
Writers: Devereux Milburn, Dan Kennedy
Director: Devereux Milburn
Stars: Sawyer Spielberg, Malin Barr, Barbara Kingsley, Stephen D’Ambrose, Jamie Bradley, Joshua Patrick Dudley