Every so often a horror movie comes along which takes the often conventional genre, and up’s its’ filmic game. Readers who don’t keep up with the Hollywood “trades” might have not heard about The Belko Experiment. The small budget horror film has been quietly making its’ way through the film festival circuit. It premiered in theaters this week, opening opposite Beauty and the Beast. The Belko Experiment easily tight ropes the often complicated line separating comedy and intense gore horror. It’s a fun, and often cringe inducing watch, as such, it is a must see for fans of the horror genre.

It’s difficult to discuss the film, without giving spoilers. But, here goes nothing. The film follows the employees of the Bogota Columbia branch of the multi-national Belko Corporation. A seemingly normal day becomes less so, when everyone finds themselves suddenly trapped inside. Unable to leave, an announcement plays over the intercom. The employees must kill each other to survive. Things suddenly become more complicated by the tracking devices each employee has implanted in their heads. While these were supposed to ward off kidnappings, they are actually explosives. Soon, factions form as the many diverse characters struggle with their actions and reactions to the gory chaos surrounding them.

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The film comes from the creative genius of writer James Gunn, as well as director Greg McLean. The Belko Experiment also features a massive cast, lead by John Gallagher Jr., Tony Goldwyn, Sean Gunn, Michael Rooker, as well as the always excellent John C. McGinley.

Gunn does a stellar job crafting the intricate (and more in-you-face) elements of the script. He succeeds in creating a fun tone, even when faced with the intense levels of gore. There are number of laugh out loud moments which feel seamlessly interweaved with the graphic nature of the story. The Belko Experiment is less Guardians of the Galaxy, and more a throw back to Gunn’s roots with films like Slither and Super.

Furthermore, the film has a definite eye for genre conventions. Gunn crafts a world where there are no rules. He appears to gleefully take a certain staple of the horror genre. When the story seems likely to follow a certain path, the narrative takes an abrupt shift. The Belko Experiment features a large cast. While the story plays out, it’s difficult to predict where the plot is going. This is not a film where the biggest names survive…

Many performers shine throughout the film. Sean Gunn brings a tremendous, standing ovation worthy presence to everything he does. This remains true in this film. Gunn is responsible for a number of the films comedic moments, and shines in what could be a bland and tricky role.

John Gallagher Jr also gives a career making performance in the role of Belko middle manager Mike Milch. The actor is best known for performance in 10 Cloverfield Lane, as well as the popular, but short lived HBO drama The Newsroom. Gallagher provides a solid, emotional center in the narrative. His growth throughout the story is most evident, and the humanity in his character shines through in a story about the nature of humanity.

In addition, director Greg McLean shows a masterful eye in crafting the relatively tiny world of the film. While the narrative plays out, the Belko offices turn from an average, even bland office into something far more hellish. The filmmaker does an amazing job playing with light and color throughout the movie, very much creating a unique look and feel to the small setting. McLean has been a growing name in the horror genre, and the stylistic flair of The Belko Experiment demonstrates that the still young director continues to improve and develop.

Finally, the film does stunning work with music. This has been, and continues to be a hallmark of James Gunn’s films, and The Belko Experiment is no different. The music weaved in through the plot is very well used, thus serving to further enhance the already complicated tone. As the killing ratchets up, a radio is turned on to play a Spanish cover of “California Dreamin’”. The presence of the music changes the feel of the scene, almost playing with the emotions of the audience. Suddenly, you find yourself cracking a smile, or tapping a toe during peak moments of gore.

Viewers who are fans of the gore horror genre should check out The Belko Experiment. Under the guiding hand of James Gunn, as well as the stellar direction of Greg McLean, they create a disturbingly funny, yet cringe inducing film that will keep audiences entertained right up until the end.

Kimberly Pierce
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