October Horror Movie Challenge - The Barge People (2018)

 

Plot

Two British couples take a weekend trip in the canals to get away from things. An accident leads to a confrontation with some locals. Both sides find themselves in for the fight of their lives when they're attacked by cannibal mutants. 

Review

I wasn't familiar with any of these actors before watching the film. They did a solid job though. While the characters are, in general, pretty generic, they are perfect horror fodder. There some commentary about city folk vs. country folk and everyone bleeding the same. It's a little heavy handed sometimes, but not too bad. 

Based on the trailer and cover art, I was expecting a British take on The Shadows Over Innsmouth. That's not what I got. This was more The Hills Have Eyes and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.The practical effects are prosthetics for the creatures are pretty solid too. There are buckets of gore and blood, definitely enough to satisfy your average horror fan. My one complaint is that I wish all the river mutants were fishlike. 

This films not great, but not bad either. It's not one I'd recommend everyone seek out, but if you're a horror hound looking for a new flick, it's a solid choice.

In Your Game

River mutants would be great foes for a 5Evo 80's Horror or Carbide City. 

River Mutant

Medium Humanoid (Mutant), Chaotic Evil    

Armor Class: 13 (Natural Armor) 

Hit Points:  (3d8)

Speed: 30 ft., swim 30 ft.

Challenge: 1/2 (100 XP)

Proficiency Bonus: +2

Str 14 (+2) Dex 12 (+1) Con 18 (+4) Int 10 (+0) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 8 (-1)

Saving Throw: Con 6

Skills: Intimidation +3

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.,  Passive Perception 10

Languages: English

Traits

Horrifying: The horrifying nature of the river mutant allows them to use their negative Charisma modifier as a positive bonus to their Intimidation rolls.

Actions

Multiattack: The river mutant makes a claw and bite attack.

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target, Hit: 4 (1d4+2) piercing damage.

Claw: Melee Weapon Attack. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target, Hit: 5 (1d6+2) slashing damage.

New Movies: 4

Other Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post: -

Challenge Total: 8