I went into this movie expecting nothing, but what I got in return is a brilliant, directorial, first effort from Brooke Ewing.
If you go into this expecting a polished shiny CGI-filled movie, you won't be happy. If you understand that this is indie horror, made by a first-time filmmaker, on a shoe-string budget, you can begin to appreciate it, and fall in love with it.
The serial killer, Alfie, played by Jerry Larew, stands out as the future star in this movie for me. Every second he was on screen I was so excited to watch, and so creeped out, I could barely watch, all at the same time.
This movie feels vintage without it being forced. Yes it takes place in the now, but the hand held camera, the angles, and cinematography make it feel like horror felt in the late 1970s, or 1980s. There is not a lot of dialogue, and the soundtrack seems to move the plot all on its' own. I must own the soundtrack!
The blood and gore is not excessive. It suits the mood, and story. It's all practical FX, and looks really great. I think the use of lighting tricks really worked to their advantage. The lighting is really well done.
When the middle of the movie shifts gears it is a nice pacing change, and gives us a new character to decide to love, or hate. I think the acting seems natural, and I loved the cop character's delivery.
There are a few sound issues, but I think it suits the voyeuristic nature of the movie, and I can definitely overlook it.
If you like throwback horror, and you understand what making a movie with a small budget looks like, then She Was So Pretty will fit nicely into your collection. If your a big budget horror fan, you may be too blind to see the talent that this movie has to offer. I cannot wait to see what this filmmaker does next.