Film Review: The Shed

If you like creature features with a twist, 2019’s The Shed may well be on your radar already. Directed by Frank Sabatella (The House That Cried Blood), it stars Jay Jay Warren, Cody Kostro, Frank Whaley (Cold Moon, Vacancy), and Timothy Bottoms (Vampire Bats), among others. It’s part vampire movie and part dysfunctional family story – an interesting combination to be sure. It also attempts to mix horror and gore with a touch of comedy.

The Shed is the story of Stan (Warren), a troubled teenager with plenty of problems. When he and his friend Dommer (Kostro) aren’t dealing with bullies at school, Stan’s busy coping with cruel treatment at home thanks to his abusive grandfather, Ellis (Bottoms). And as if all that’s not enough, Stan soon discovers a new type of trouble has taken up residence in the shed at the bottom of his garden.

A newly created vampire (Whaley) has been hiding from the sun there, coming out only to feed on unfortunate creatures that wander a bit too close. Stan isn’t sure what to do at first, so he focuses on keeping the vampire contained. However, Dommer has other ideas. He thinks a bloodthirsty vampire is just the tool they need to get back at the bullies that have been tormenting them for so long and he’s determined to give it a try.

If you’re thinking The Shed sounds like a modern take on retro vampire classics like Fright Night or The Lost Boys, you’re right to. It certainly tips its hat in the direction of such films. It passes on the surreal vibe most fans associate with such stories though, opting instead for comedy mixed with the familiarity of teen drama. It’s clear The Shed also has a bit of an identity crisis going on though, as it isn’t always clear what it’s trying to be.

It opens with a bang and lots of energy, plunging the viewer straight into the action. It then abruptly switches to detailing Stan’s everyday life with its multitude of social and family problems, staying there a little too long for comfort. This odd transition from fast-paced supernatural action to familiar family drama doesn’t necessarily lose you, but it doesn’t exactly scan either and this inconsistency of tone is an issue that persists throughout the film. Character building is also a problem, with far too many of the principal players feeling more like stock characters than wholly developed personalities.

There’s a lot to love about The Shed despite its flaws and occasional pacing issues though. Some of the ideas at play here are truly unique and very entertaining, as with Dommer’s developing plot to use their unlikely vampire acquaintance against the bullies. There’s also just enough gore and blood to keep things interesting without going overboard. The film is gorgeously shot as well, utilizing fascinating techniques, angles, and shooting styles you don’t see every day.

Sadly, The Shed never quite realizes its potential as a fresh new addition to the vampire horror genre. Some scenes could have been truly great if they were allowed to be funnier or more sarcastic than they were. The film also leaves you with the wrong type of unanswered questions – the kind that makes you feel someone just wasn’t trying hard enough, as opposed to the kind that leaves you thinking after the credits roll. However, it’s not a bad movie and there’s enough about it to like that makes it worth checking out. Just take it for what it is instead of expecting it to blow you away. The Shed brings some fun things to the party, but the next Fright Night it’s not.

Style: Creatures , Thriller , Dysfunctional Family , Revenge