Hard work never killed anyone… until now.|Aug. 06, 2021|Ireland | United Kingdom|88 Min.|n/A
Genre: Comedy;Horror
Description: “Boys from County Hell” (2021) is a horror film set in the fictional town of Six Mile Hill, known only for its connection to Bram Stoker, who supposedly based Dracula on the local legend of Abhartach. The story unfolds when Abhartach is accidentally awakened after the cairn above his remains is destroyed during the construction of a bypass, a project already disliked by the locals. The construction team must now face the consequences and set things right.
The film challenges conventional horror tropes by introducing a unique take on the genre. While it features classic elements like a monstrous force and a group of characters confronting it, it attempts to stand out by blending humor and local color. The narrative follows a group of Irish pranksters who stumble upon the long-buried vampire corpse, leading to chaos and terror.
Despite its attempts to innovate, the film struggles to deliver a compelling experience. It begins with a series of eerie events, including elderly individuals suddenly bleeding from their eyes and a group of locals pranking tourists with a mysterious pile of rocks tied to the Dracula legend. However, these elements fail to build momentum, leaving the story feeling flat.
The characters, including Eugene (Jack Rowan), William (Fra Fee), and their friend SP (Michael Hough), are portrayed as carefree individuals with little to do in their rural Irish town. Their antics center around the ominous pile of rocks, which becomes a focal point when Eugene’s father, Francie, decides to demolish it for the bypass project. Unbeknownst to them, this decision unleashes an ancient evil.
Overall, “Boys from County Hell” falls short of its potential, offering a mix of horror and humor that doesn’t quite land. While it tries to bring a fresh perspective to the genre, it ultimately leaves viewers wanting more.
Cast director: Matthew Booth
Cast actor: Jack Rowan, Nigel O’Neill, Louisa Harland, Michael Hough, John Lynch, Fra Fee, Morgan C. Jones, Andrea Irvine, Robert Nairne, Marty Maguire
Original name: Boys from County Hell