Name: Butchers
Genre: Horror
Released: 2020-10-15T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Simon Phillips, Michael Swatton, Julie Mainville, Anne-Carolyne Binette, James Hicks

The opening scene of Butchers (2020) is a brutal baptism by blood: a lone hiker stumbles upon a remote backcountry cabin, only to be greeted by the sharp end of a cleaver. Director Adrian Langley’s horror film doesn’t waste time with subtlety—it dives headfirst into the grimy, gory world of a family of sadistic butchers who treat their victims like livestock. The film’s unflinching violence and relentless pacing make it a visceral experience, but its reliance on shock value over substance leaves it feeling hollow.

Langley’s direction is confident in its brutality. The film’s first act is a relentless string of kills, each one more inventive than the last. Simon Phillips as Owen Watson and Michael Swatton as Oswald Watson anchor the family with a chilling chemistry, their performances dripping with menace. Julie Mainville as Jenna Simpson stands out as the most compelling member of the cast, her portrayal of the family’s reluctant enabler adding a layer of moral complexity to the otherwise one-dimensional characters.

The film’s strongest moments come from its practical effects and gore-heavy set pieces. A particularly standout sequence involves a victim being strung up like a side of beef, their screams muffled by the distant hum of a meat grinder. The sound design here is exceptional, amplifying the visceral impact of each kill. However, these moments are few and far between, and the film struggles to maintain its momentum in between.

The script, credited to Langley, is where Butchers falters most. The dialogue is often clunky and expository, relying on heavy-handed monologues to explain the family’s backstory. The pacing also suffers from a lack of cohesion, with the film’s second act feeling disjointed as it jumps between different victims and timelines. The shift from winter to summer is an interesting narrative device, but its execution feels rushed and confusing.

The film’s reliance on shock value over suspense or tension is another major drawback. While the kills are certainly creative, they lack the buildup needed to make them truly impactful. The film also suffers from a lack of originality, drawing heavily from established horror tropes without adding anything new to the genre. The family of killers trope has been done to death (pun intended), and Butchers doesn’t offer enough to distinguish itself from the pack.

Despite its flaws, Butchers does have moments of genuine dread and excitement. The final act picks up significantly, culminating in a brutal showdown between the Watson family and a group of determined survivors. Phillips and Swatton’s performances shine here, their unhinged rage making for a memorable climax.

In the end, Butchers is a film that excels in its moments of brutality but stumbles in its attempt to be more than just another slasher flick.