“Shut your mouth and get ready to rest in pain.” That tagline sets the tone for The R.I.P. Man, a low-budget British slasher that punches well above its weight in both atmosphere and execution. Director Jamie Langlands and writer Rhys Thompson deliver a polished indie thriller that successfully introduces a memorable new genre villain, one that might just make you double-check that your doors are locked.
Set in a quiet English town, the film follows a series of grisly murders linked by a killer with a disturbing dental condition and an obsession with teeth. Each crime scene is marked by a sinister calling card: chattering wind-up teeth left behind to “announce” the killer’s presence. It’s a clever and creepy gimmick that instantly sets the R.I.P. Man apart from the crowded slasher field.
Despite its modest £20,000 budget, the film looks remarkably professional. The lighting and cinematography, especially in the darker sequences, are consistently strong, using varied camera angles that keep the action visually engaging. The environments feel real and lived in, grounding the horror in a believable world.
Performance-wise, this is a cut above your typical indie fare. Owen Llewelyn and Maximus Polling lead a capable cast, but even the smaller roles shine, with everyone bringing depth to their characters. Bruno Cryan delivers a performance that functions as a red herring, skillfully keeping the audience uncertain. The detective subplot drags slightly, and the film leans a little too heavily on exposition between the first and second kills, but it never derails the pacing entirely. Once the action ramps back up, the tension is relentless.
The kills themselves, while somewhat straightforward, are effective and reminiscent of early ’90s slashers. There’s room for more creativity here, but given the film’s production constraints, it’s easy to forgive. The killer’s unsettling appearance and haunting laugh more than compensate. At times, he feels like a nightmarish, evil version of Powder. The explanation for his motives and the lore surrounding him are surprisingly well thought out, giving the story a completeness rarely seen in debut slashers.
The finale delivers a decent showdown, if a bit underwhelming compared to the build-up, but the final shot more than makes up for it. It’s a chilling image that perfectly teases more to come. And with a sequel already crowdfunding, fans can hope for an even bloodier and bolder return.
Special shout-out to the original song performed by Outpost 3 during the bar scene. “MiD” is a genuine earworm that lingers for days after viewing. It’s the perfect capstone to a film that’s clearly made with love for the genre.
Ultimately, The R.I.P. Man stands out for its strong story, standout performances, and atmospheric style. It’s tense, creepy, and full of personality, proof that indie horror can still surprise you. If you’re craving a fresh slasher with smarts and scares, check it out and maybe toss a few bucks at the sequel HERE. What starts solid here could be absolutely unhinged next time around.
Verdict: An inventive and unsettling debut that delivers tension, style, and a new horror icon in the making.
Jessie Hobson