Horror Movie Review: The Hills Run Red (2009)

The Hills Run Red is a slasher film that was directed by Dave Parker and written by David J. Schow, releasing in 2009. Tyler embarks on a quest to film a documentary based on an infamous horror movie, called The Hills Run Red. It’s widely considered the scariest movie ever made, with the deranged serial killer Babyface in the lead role. The film’s director disappeared years ago and there is no known copy of the film. Tyler’s obsession leads him down a path that delivers more than he bargained for.

Tyler’s fascination with the film leads him to neglect his girlfriend Serena. When Tyler discovers that the director’s daughter Alexa works in a night club as a stripper, he decides to meet her and ask about the lost film. He visits Alexa and asks her about the project. As she gives him a nude lap dance, the audience sees Serena cheating on Tyler with their best friend Lalo. Alexa informs Tyler that the movie might be in her father’s home in the woods. Beforehand, Tyler forces Alexa to go cold turkey due to her problematic drug addiction.

Days later, Tyler drives out with Serena, Lalo, and Alexa. On the way, they are bound and attacked by rednecks, who threaten to rape Alexa and Serena. Babyface appears and kills the assaulters before chasing the teens into the woods. Tyler breaks into the nearby house and finds a red room that contains many film reels hanging from the ceiling. When Tyler hears screams, he finds Alexa tied to a bed and releases her. The two leave the house and find Serena. Babyface is on the loose and things might not be what they seem.

Check out The Hills Run Red to find how what happens next!

As soon as the opening credits began to roll, I knew that this film was going to be good. There’s a gruesome scene that shows a young man chopping off pieces of his face with scissors. Certainly not one for the squeamish, it even had me wincing. The Hills Run Red released around the time when the gore heavy, torture porn sub-genre was all the rage. That alone should give you an idea of what to expect going in.

The story surrounding a horror film that is thought to be real and one man’s obsession with finding it is a cool idea. The characters are pretty barebones but the actors do well with the little that they are given.

The side story involving Serena cheating on Tyler because she’s attention starved doesn’t make no sense but it’s ultimately pointless. Alexa is the most interesting character in the film and there’s a neat twist with her that you could see coming.

Other than the nasty opening, there’s plenty to enjoy for gore hounds. There’s a few torture scenes which can often become tiresome. However, they are short and sweet here. The effects work isn’t too over the top which gives everything a realistic look and feel. Babyface would certainly give Jason Voorhees a run for his money. Although, the film makes a point of saying that he isn’t superhuman. He’s a grotesque, hulking figure and definitely not someone that you would want chasing after you.

Overall, The Hills Run Red is a very solid, meta slasher film. The story and its execution are unique enough to keep your interest. Babyface is an original killer that won’t be considered iconic but is certainly memorable for the right reasons. There’s plenty of gore and craziness to keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending is fun due to the unpredictable nature of the film. It gives the whole thing a full-circle sort of feel.