Film Review: Bystanders – When the Prey Fights Back

A group of entitled frat boys thinks they’re in for a night of cruel fun, but their plans are flipped upside down when they cross paths with the wrong people. This indie revenge thriller offers a gripping, twist-laden ride that’s sure to satisfy fans of dark justice narratives.

A Familiar Setup with an Even Darker Turn – “Bystanders” 2024

Abby (Brandi Botkin) is a teenage girl who’s ecstatic when Cody (Bob Wilcox), the charismatic rich boy, invites her and her friends to what’s described as a party. With her friends Jade and Brie in tow, she’s looking forward to an exciting night. Unfortunately, what starts as an invitation for fun turns into a horrifying trap.

Cody, along with his frat boy crew, Travis, Jacob, and Brad, has no intention of hosting a party. Instead, they drug and capture the unsuspecting girls, unleashing them into the surrounding woods for a sinister hunt. The film’s initial setup is reminiscent of exploitation tropes, but what follows is a refreshing and brutal twist.

Cinematography, Performances, and Standout Moments

Visually, the film’s nighttime scenes feel somewhat staged, with lighting that occasionally feels artificial. However, the tight editing and makeup effects more than make up for it, giving the film an impressive polish for its indie roots. The performances are uneven, with some scenes feeling awkwardly posed. However, Garrett Murphy as Gray and Jamie Alvey as Claire deliver standout performances, oozing charisma and menace in equal measure.

The frat boys are sufficiently despicable. Cody stands out with his entitled demeanor. He whines and insists that his connections will save him. This performance makes it even more satisfying to see his downfall. Abby’s arc is equally compelling, as she transforms from a terrified victim to someone determined to end the cycle of violence.

Final Thoughts and Rating

This film isn’t for everyone, but it’s a rewarding watch for fans of revenge horror. The lack of graphic on-screen violence ensures it doesn’t veer into gratuitous territory, while still delivering impactful moments of justice. For those who enjoy going in blind, avert your eyes before we head into spoiler territory. If you prefer context, get ready as Mother of Movies delves into these details.

Bystanders is rated

3.5 Indie Gems out of 5

“A bloody tale of justice served cold.” – Mother of Movies

Morbidly Beautiful.com loved Bystanders as well. Read all about that next. For a movie similar to Bystanders, add Lowlifes (TubiTV) to your next movie marathon.

Director: Mary Beth McAndrews
Writer: Jamie Alvey
Stars: Jamie Alvey, Brandi Botkin, John Conners

Bystanders first ran at HorrorHound Film Festival before an internet release in the USA on January 21, 2024. The film is available as a rental in Canada and the USA. For more ways to watch, add an alert to Justwatch.com and be the first to know when this title and others become available.

Bystanders Streaming

Empowered Female Protagonists In Film

Love some feminine rage films? We do too. Watch the female revenge thriller Killer Kate, or the women-led vengeance movie Julia X next.

Spoiler-Free or Spoiler Section?

Film Review: Bystanders – When the Prey Fights Back - Mother of Movies

Director: Mary Beth McAndrews

Date Created: 2024-09-27 21:38

Editor's Rating:
3.5