ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR is a film posited as a psychological horror flick but in fact it's a typical indie feature padded with endless small talk by actors who fail to successfully convince and 'inhabit' their roles. It has a dark and dingy feel to it and although it looks like a 'proper' film, the story is just too limited for it to work.
11 Reviews
awful movie
jcroak-1817429 August 2020
I couldn't even finish the movie it was freaking bad. I hated Wendy. She meets Joe at a party and within 3 days days he went crazy on her twice. Then she acts like they have been together for years. She even acts hurt that he did a painting of them. She was horrible. Watch it if you want, but I couldn't even finish this messed up movie.
Interesting little story with some flaws
fathersonholygore9 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed some of Antisocial Behaviour, but unfortunately it couldn't get past the flaws holding it back.
The story- I found it a unique spin on something we've seen many times before. The effects during some of the "vomiting" sequences were enjoyable. I don't think they were particularly amazing, though they aren't bad either, and it helps lend something to the movie instead of taking away, as bad effects can often do. The cinematography was all right. I can't call it perfect, but for a smaller film it was better than a lot of what's out there.
What really did the movie in for me was the acting. The actors were not the worst I've seen. Some of the scenes just felt way too hammy. The script could have played out a lot better with some more experienced actors, but for what I assume to be an independent picture it came across better than some. The lead actor tried his best, and there were times when he did a decent job, it's just hard to really get into certain stories when they're highly based around one single performance and the person performing can't quite hit all the notes. I don't like rag on actors too hard, sometimes you're damned if you do and damned if you don't in their case, but unfortunately you can't ignore certain things while watching a film. Horror films suffer from terrible acting, there are plenty of films out there to prove that, so their success can often rely on the acting above all.
Antisocial Behaviour tried hard to be a nice little horror film. I give it a 6 out of 10. It wasn't horrible, nor was it one I'll probably watch again. I enjoyed some effects, and the story itself was interesting. It definitely isn't the same old tripe, but does not come across to be anything new or unique either. Perhaps if it had a bigger budget with some more experienced actors, et cetera, it may have turned out a more intriguing entry into the horror genre. Not overly recommended- though if you get the chance, check it out.
The story- I found it a unique spin on something we've seen many times before. The effects during some of the "vomiting" sequences were enjoyable. I don't think they were particularly amazing, though they aren't bad either, and it helps lend something to the movie instead of taking away, as bad effects can often do. The cinematography was all right. I can't call it perfect, but for a smaller film it was better than a lot of what's out there.
What really did the movie in for me was the acting. The actors were not the worst I've seen. Some of the scenes just felt way too hammy. The script could have played out a lot better with some more experienced actors, but for what I assume to be an independent picture it came across better than some. The lead actor tried his best, and there were times when he did a decent job, it's just hard to really get into certain stories when they're highly based around one single performance and the person performing can't quite hit all the notes. I don't like rag on actors too hard, sometimes you're damned if you do and damned if you don't in their case, but unfortunately you can't ignore certain things while watching a film. Horror films suffer from terrible acting, there are plenty of films out there to prove that, so their success can often rely on the acting above all.
Antisocial Behaviour tried hard to be a nice little horror film. I give it a 6 out of 10. It wasn't horrible, nor was it one I'll probably watch again. I enjoyed some effects, and the story itself was interesting. It definitely isn't the same old tripe, but does not come across to be anything new or unique either. Perhaps if it had a bigger budget with some more experienced actors, et cetera, it may have turned out a more intriguing entry into the horror genre. Not overly recommended- though if you get the chance, check it out.
Never saw it coming
amanda-leeski18 August 2014
If you want to watch a psychological mind challenging horror mystery - don't look further than this movie!
As someone who can usually pick the plot apart and figure out the ending half way though the movie, this movie took me in one direction and then in a completely different five minutes later. It succeeded in doing this without having gaps in the plot.
While watching you will recognize it as an independent movie, but the visual effects stand out above those of other independent film makers.
Overall, well written to keep the viewer guessing. Worth buying, most definitely worth watching more than once.
As someone who can usually pick the plot apart and figure out the ending half way though the movie, this movie took me in one direction and then in a completely different five minutes later. It succeeded in doing this without having gaps in the plot.
While watching you will recognize it as an independent movie, but the visual effects stand out above those of other independent film makers.
Overall, well written to keep the viewer guessing. Worth buying, most definitely worth watching more than once.
Above average...
jmb-680852 September 2018
Not really sure where to begin with this film after watching. I watched The Nines right before that left me in right field but this one was way out there. The soundtrack was really enjoyable and the visuals grotesque. Wendy was very likable and Joe was almost over the top if the acting hadn't been so convincing. This is one of those movies that sticks with you and you want to recommend but not sure to whom. It can be a little hard to follow but stick with it if you're a horror, psychological thriller fan, this is definitely above average and worth watching.
Keeps you thinking.
wizard8423 August 2014
This is one of the best independent psychological horror movies I've ever watched. I could not stop thinking about it day's after watching it. That's actually the reason I wanted to write this review. The filmmakers take you inside someone's mind. Which is really hard to do. It's a creepy, unsettling trip through a creepy dudes head. The main guy, Joe, has no memory of growing up. After meeting a girl at a party and playing a drinking game where he's asked "What's the worst thing you've ever done" he blacks out. This sets him on a course to realize that he has buried something awful from his past. And slowly it's making it's way back into his head. And it's scary. Actually, it's pretty disturbing. This is a film I will watch again, that is for sure.
Hidden Gem
natnoble31 March 2021
Like a cross between Lynch and Cronenberg, this movie worms its way into your brain like a wonderfully dark and murky fever-dream. Yes, we don't really know what's happening, but that's exactly the appeal. In an age of storytelling that has largely forgotten the wise adage, "Show, don't tell," it's such a pleasure to get a tale so steeped in mystery. This film will make your skin crawl in the best ways. And your brain will revel in its suggestions of intellectual depths and open-ended questions.
Finally something different!
vestigoy3 June 2019
Saw this movie last week and am still thinking about it... it's definitely more original than any of those cliche "psycho-stalker kills anyone in his/her way" films everyone's been cranking out lately. If you like the tone of "The Number 23" you'll be pleased with "Antisocial Behavior"!
Great psychological thriller!
bridgetinsrq31 March 2021
Immediately I was impressed with the cinematography and music. It starts off as a story that you think you know what will happen next, but then you're thrown some serious curve balls and the details of the story develops lots of twists and turns! You get drawn to the characters and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely worth watching ! I'm a David Lynch fan and appreciate the unique and abstract filmmaking the producers, writers and director created!
Good Behavior
NoDakTatum12 October 2023
The tortured artist as a character in a story may be a predictable one, but this film effectively shows us the reasons behind the torture. Joe (Jackson Kuehn) is a frustrated artist rooming with Scott (Chad Bishop). Scott and Joe grew up together in an orphanage, and Scott still looks out for his moody friend. While grudgingly attending a party, Joe meets Wendy (Mary Elizabeth Boylan). Wendy takes a liking to the morose man, and after she leaves, Joe is recruited into a 'Truth or Dare"-style drinking game. During the game, when asked what the baddest, most evil thing is that he has done, Joe flips out, hallucinating, and cutting his hand open. This begins a series of events, as Joe starts vomiting up giant balls of flesh, and having visions and repressed memories of his life before ending up at the orphanage.
Kuehn, as Joe, is perfectly cast. Joe is definitely odd, and Kuehn is able to make him both sympathetic and menacing, sometimes in the same scene, just by changing his facial expression. The script, by director Kenneth Guertin and Chris Perdue, put Joe in almost every scene and Kuehn is up to the task. For a film with a small budget, Guertin does an outstanding job as both director and editor. The story travels along fast, punctuated with some genuinely frightening imagery. Guertin doesn't seem to hide behind his small production, he goes for the scare over the money. The climactic revelations make sense, and the final kicker is delightfully creepy. Technically, the film is almost flawless. The cinematography is fresh, the sound recording is excellent, and the cast is great. My dithers mostly concern Wendy's unquestioned dedication to Joe after just meeting him, and how her behavior toward him could be construed as odd if he wasn't such an emotional wreck himself. I know of "love at first sight," but many scenes involving Joe and Wendy made me expect more to Wendy's backstory than what we are given- which ain't much. "Antisocial Behavior" is a prime example of great psychological horror. Seeing that horror spill out of Joe's head, literally, and into our own minds is pretty terrifying.
Kuehn, as Joe, is perfectly cast. Joe is definitely odd, and Kuehn is able to make him both sympathetic and menacing, sometimes in the same scene, just by changing his facial expression. The script, by director Kenneth Guertin and Chris Perdue, put Joe in almost every scene and Kuehn is up to the task. For a film with a small budget, Guertin does an outstanding job as both director and editor. The story travels along fast, punctuated with some genuinely frightening imagery. Guertin doesn't seem to hide behind his small production, he goes for the scare over the money. The climactic revelations make sense, and the final kicker is delightfully creepy. Technically, the film is almost flawless. The cinematography is fresh, the sound recording is excellent, and the cast is great. My dithers mostly concern Wendy's unquestioned dedication to Joe after just meeting him, and how her behavior toward him could be construed as odd if he wasn't such an emotional wreck himself. I know of "love at first sight," but many scenes involving Joe and Wendy made me expect more to Wendy's backstory than what we are given- which ain't much. "Antisocial Behavior" is a prime example of great psychological horror. Seeing that horror spill out of Joe's head, literally, and into our own minds is pretty terrifying.
Definitely a mind bender
whackyjackyxx18 April 2019
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