1313: Billy the Kid

1313: Billy the Kid is a supernatural horror thriller film from 2012 directed by David DeCoteau. The title name suggests a connection with the famous Wild West outlaw, Billy the Kid, but this film offers a unique, eerie twist to history's tale. The film stars Brandon Thornton, Jason Zahodnik, Chelsea Rae Bernier, along with Lance Leonhardt, and brings a fascinating blend of horror, adventure, and drama to the screen that will draw audience members in and keep them captivated throughout the film's duration.

The story begins with Billy the Kid, played by Brandon Thornton, who is no ordinary Wild West outlaw. In the film, he is a resurrected gunfighter who has come back from the great beyond to the mortal sphere with the task of collecting human souls in order to break free from his unearthly bonds. This supernatural plot introduces a chilling perspective into the notorious criminal's life.

The reincarnated Billy the Kid employs his signature charisma and fearlessness as he brings a new meaning to the word "outlaw" with his gruesome, morbid methods of collecting souls. For Billy, everything goes down at a dark, isolated ranch he uses as his base of operation, luring his victims to him and adding a faint air of mystery to the settings in the film.

Jason Zahodnik plays Garrett, a skeptical college student studying perspectives on the afterlife. A series of unusual disturbances combined with the compelling allure of the infamous Billy the Kid's legend causes Garrett to become engrossed in the mysterious man's story. The further he delves into his investigation, the deeper he falls into a treacherous world of horror and despair.

Enters Annie, a feisty reporter played by Chelsea Rae Bernier, who is committed to uncovering the truth about the bizarre incidents going on in her town. Her path intersects with Garrett's as they find themselves drawn into a suspenseful, perilous journey. Their predicaments only amplify when they encounter the restless spirit of Billy the Kid and realize that they are in the middle of a supernatural vortex that they never saw coming.

With skillful portrayal by Lance Leonhardt as the undaunted local sheriff, the viewers are taken on a tense ride, whilst observing the unfaltering lawman's attempts to retain order in the town amidst escalating fear and panic.

1313: Billy the Kid showcases DeCoteau's ingenious knack for making the most of limited resources, with a clever reliance on tension, suspense, and atmospheric dread rather than merely resorting to a repetition of jump-scares. The film's old-school slow-burn horror approach, unapologetically borrowing from classic haunted house tropes, gives an unsettling eeriness that will captivate and jolt the audiences' nerves.

While the film doesn't strictly adhere to historical facts, the speculative take on the past and the compelling supernatural undertone enrich the narrative. This reimagining of a historical figure in a modern light proves to be a riveting watch.

Technically, the film proves to be well-executed with proficiently composed shots that exploit the eerily beautiful, remote setting, a haunting score to amplify the supernatural elements and generally solid performances from its cast. The narrative’s pacing is well-crafted to keep the audiences engaged as suspense gradually builds, escalating towards a climactic showdown.

Overall, 1313: Billy the Kid is a unique fusion of supernatural horror and Western lore. It isn't just a horror film; it beautifully blends horror with a historical outlaw legend to create an entirely original piece of work. The film stands apart through its dynamic plot, intriguing characters, and its clever manipulation of suspense and horror elements. For fans of eerie thrillers and films that dare to reimagine history, 1313: Billy the Kid will certainly prove a memorable viewing.