Offseason – Shudder Review (3/5)

OFFSEASON is a new Shudder horror movie that feels like being trapped in a nightmare. For better and worse, this offers a different kind of horror that is relentless and absolutely terrifying. Read our full Offseason movie review and find it on Shudder!

OFFSEASON on Shudder is a new horror movie. It’s one that will not be for everyone, but I do feel most horror fans will appreciate the intense feeling of being trapped in a nightmare. However, if you’re more into the gore and action of a slasher or horror-comedy, then this might not be your thing.

I love most things horror. Each has its own style and should simply be watched when you’re in the mood for that particular style. For better and worse, this horror movie really is nightmarish. With a runtime of just around 80 minutes, you’re in for an experience that is as relentless as it is terrifying. If you’re ready to surrender to it, that is!

Continue reading our Offseason movie review below and find it on Shudder from June 10, 2022.

Like being trapped in a nightmare

Admittedly, I wasn’t completely thrilled with the storyline of Offseason. However, that takes nothing away from what it made me feel. When watching any movie – and a horror movie in particular – it always works best for me when both my heart and mind are completely onboard. In other words, when it makes me think and feel.

With Offseason, I felt like I had to shut off my logic and just immerse myself into this nightmare instead.

The feeling you get from watching Offseason is one of pure dread. You’re trapped in a nightmare alongside the main character, Marie Aldrich (Jocelin Donahue). It works really well in terms of creating a different kind of horror that is relentless and absolutely terrifying.

Also, please watch this movie with a good sound system (or headphones, if you don’t have good speakers). There is a deep bass that creates the perfect backdrop for the nightmarish visuals.

A very intriguing cast!

The cast of Offseason alone should be enough to attract plenty of attention. Jocelin Donahue (Doctor Sleep) plays the all-important lead character and this really is her story. Along with her, she has Joe Swanberg (The Rental) as her on-off boyfriend.

In another, very important role, we see Melora Walters (The Pale Door) as the mother of Jocelin Donahue’s character. Horror fans should also be very happy to see Richard Brake (Bingo Hell, Mandy) and Jeremy Gardner (After Midnight) in this new horror movie.

For me, it’s all about Jocelin Donahue. She is mesmerizing and natural in a way that works perfectly for a movie of this kind. And by “this kind” I mean a horror movie that offers a different take on what is scary. It’s slow-burn and nightmarish, but will not be for everyone. Still, I doubt anyone can falter Jocelin Donahue’s work in Offseason.

Watch Offseason on Shudder!

Mickey Keating (Carnage Park) is the writer and director of Offseason which is his seventh film since he debuted in 2011 with Ultra Violence. I am a huge fan of how he keeps the runtime relatively short. When you make a horror movie that is both slow-burn and feels like being trapped in a nightmare, you need to keep it sharp and short.

The story was too small for me. However, I still have to give it kudos since it was told in this nightmarish way. And really, nightmares often don’t make too much sense. They’re often more about the feeling of dread and terror, which is exactly what this horror movie delivers.

It will not be for everyone, which the current IMDb rating of 4.8 is clear evidence of. Still, I am certain there is also an audience that will adore this creepy and intense vibe. Personally, I’m both impressed and feel like it had the potential for much more, which could have made for a truly amazing movie. Check it out on Shudder and decide for yourself!

Offseason is out on Shudder from June 10, and on DVD or Blu-ray from June 14, 2022.

Details

Director: Mickey Keating
Cast: Jocelin Donahue, Joe Swanberg, Richard Brake, Melora Walters, Jeremy Gardner