Movie spotlight
Once the Killing Starts
Married college professor Michael Lane falls in love with one of his students and hatches an elaborate scheme to dispose of his wife, Elizabeth. His murder plot goes as planned. However, he soon receives an anonymous note: "I know what you did, murderer!" Prof. Lane frantically tries to discover who knows his secret...
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of friends on a camping trip stumble upon a hidden, and seemingly abandoned, cabin. Their curiosity quickly turns to terror as they discover the cabin's dark history and the malevolent force that resides within. As they attempt to escape, they find themselves trapped and hunted by an unseen entity.
Critical Reception
Once the Killing Starts is a lesser-known independent horror film from the 1970s. It garnered a cult following over the years for its gritty atmosphere and rudimentary yet effective scares. While critical reviews were scarce upon its initial release due to its limited distribution, later assessments often highlight its raw, unpolished charm and its place within the early wave of independent horror.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and claustrophobic setting.
Noted for its DIY aesthetic and raw, visceral horror elements.
Often cited as an overlooked gem by fans of 70s independent horror.
Google audience: Audience reviews are mixed, with some appreciating its vintage horror charm and suspenseful moments, while others find its pacing and technical aspects dated.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on a shoestring budget in the woods of Canada, with many of the cast and crew being friends of the director.
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