Scream-queen icon Tina Krause (Witchouse 3, Camp Blood 666) stars alongside Justin Pavia and Lina Tanille in this gory and entertaining horror romp from director David Palmieri (Witchcraft 14,15 and 16) and producer David S. Sterling (Camp Blood, Witchcraft XI: Sisters in Blood).
"Claw" is a film about three friends who rent an old house in the country for some rest and relaxation, only to be killed off one by one by a sinister madman that dwells in the old barn next door.
The setup is pretty basic, but the dynamic between the three lead characters is interesting and there is enough interplay and backstory that you find yourself engaged when the danger begins. Lina Tanille is especially solid in her role. She plays Tiffani as a little bit of a loner; she has a complexity to her that doesn't need to be spoken in dialogue. Tina Krause plays her role well too as a free-spirit who doesn't take life all too seriously. Justin Pavia does nice work as well in his role and gets a chance to really shine toward the end of the film, but I won't reveal any spoilers.
The killer himself is interesting, with a blood-stained welding mask, an interesting main weapon in the form of a detachable claw and an assortment of ways to do in his victims. I also liked the touch of him playing classical music while getting down to business in the old, sinister barn. This added to the creepy atmosphere in the film.
The twist ending is great as well and appreciated in a film like this. Many time, lower budgeted slasher flicks don't try anything interesting, and I appreciated the extra effort to throw off the viewer and provide something new and refreshing at the end of the film.
I would love to see a "Claw 2" directed by David Palmieri. I think he does a great job with the tools that he has available. He created a fun, exciting, atmospheric slasher flick that was well paced and very well shot. He utilized some cool timelapse camera work and his setups for the camera angles were well done as well. I commend his efforts and look forward to seeing more from him in the future.
