Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Death Valley’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One thing that horror fans everywhere can agree upon, is that the genre is by far, the most intelligent one out there. For there is no other genre of storytelling that takes the time to examine the human condition or modern society and its current woes, the way that horror does, and it is the intelligence present within scary stories, that is helping it to enjoy its sustained success. Since audiences everywhere are eager to see what these movies have to say about us and the future looks bright for these films as well, since they are now breaking into new philosophical territory regarding the human experience.

But while it is wonderful to enjoy horror films that are filled to the brim with commentary and meaningful concepts on a consistent basis, one can never forget… that the genre’s roots are grounded in simplicity. For this is a genre designed to scare us and unsettle us and explore the dark recesses of the human imagination that ponders upon what could possibly be going bump in the night and thankfully, horror hasn’t let that fundamental aspect of its storytelling go the wayside. It just means we have to look a little harder for the stories that are all about the gore and the scares and everything in between and thankfully, the horror streaming service Shudder is aiding in that hunt…. courtesy of its brand-new, commentary free and splatter filled release, Death Valley.

Now in this particular film, we are transported deep beneath the surface of the earth and into the confines of a secret research lab where something horrible has happened. In that, a genetic experiment has broken free of its cell and is wreaking havoc within the facility to the point where there is only one survivor left, a doctor named Chloe, who makes an impassioned plea for rescue. Which means that it will be up to a man named James Beckett and his buddy Marshall to infiltrate this facility with a crackpot team of fellow mercenaries to rescue Chloe before other nefarious parties breach the faculty and its hidden secrets. Which should be a straightforward mission for this pair of war worn veterans, provided of course… they can outwit and outlast the horrors that await them in the dark.

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Which is at first glance, a plot that seems more grounded in science fiction and action over horror and that is part of the charm of this motion picture. Because it doesn’t shy away from those elements in the slightest since we are indeed treated to some hints of Schwarzenegger as the mercenaries do their best to get ahead of the local militia trying to break into this facility as well and what makes this so lovely… is that it makes the viewer quite comfortable. Because you’ve seen this kind of stuff before and its fun and entertaining and once, you’re cozy in your chair and enjoying the explosions and wickedly delightful one liners that Marshall fires off as often as he fires off bullets, is when this movie shifts gears and outright surprises you.

Because once we get into the research facility the horror can begin and boy does this movie deliver in regard to that. Because the monsters that lurk in the dark are indeed the stuff of nightmares. In fact, we would be rude to not point out the quality work that went into these gooey and eerie creations, and their desire to accomplish their gory goals, leads to some equally as impressive gore sequences. The kind that makes your stomach turn by way of splatter that is grounded in pure savagery, and the wonder of the horror side of this story doesn’t end there. Since the movie effectively uses shadows and darkness to execute some quality jump scares, allowing for an immersive and terrifying experience, one that is bookended nicely by some serious surprise twists in the plot.

Which… we won’t spoil here in the slightest. Because this is a journey that is best experienced firsthand… or potentially with a friend that is curious about exploring the journey. For this movie really does have something for everyone, since the comedy and the action and adventure will please fans of those genres and suck them into a fun and simple story. One that sticks to the basics of horror, since this is at its core, a good old-fashioned gory creature feature, complete with all the elements you love about stories where science crosses the line a la Frankenstein. So, if you’re looking for a great horror flick to just lose yourself within for a little while, then log into Shudder when you have a chance and give Death Valley a look, you’ll be glad you did.

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