Blood Rage

Blood Rage is a horror movie from 1987, directed by John Grissmer. It stars Louise Lasser, Mark Soper, and Julie Gordon in lead roles.

The story of the movie revolves around two twin brothers, Terry and Todd, who are very close to each other. However, one fateful night, when they were just ten years old, Terry commits a gruesome murder while their mother is trying to seduce Todd's boyfriend. Fortunately for Terry, Todd is wrongly accused of the murder and is sent to a mental institution for over a decade.

The movie starts with Todd's escape from the mental institution on Thanksgiving Day. He seeks out his estranged mother, who has now started a new life with a new family and changed her name. Meanwhile, Terry, who is now an adult, has become a charming and successful businessman with a beautiful girlfriend, Karen. However, Terry also has a dark side. He is a serial killer who murders innocent people in a devilish frenzy. Soon, Todd realizes that Terry is still at large and is killing people while pretending to be Todd himself.

As the blood starts flowing, and the body count rises, Todd desperately tries to convince his mother and the authorities that his twin brother is responsible for the murders. However, nobody believes him, and Terry continues his killing spree, leaving Todd to take drastic measures to stop him once and for all.

Blood Rage is a classic 80s slasher movie, with all the tropes that fans of this genre love. There are plenty of gore and violence, including beheading, impalement, and stabbings, to satisfy any horror fan's appetite. The fast-paced action sequences, along with the plot twists, keep the audience hooked till the very end.

However, what sets Blood Rage apart from other slasher movies of the time is its exploration of the twin relationship dynamic. The movie delves into the psyche of the twin brothers and how their childhood trauma has shaped their personalities differently. While Todd is a traumatized survivor who is trying to rebuild his life, Terry is a psychopath who enjoys killing for its own sake.

Another unique aspect of the movie is its use of Thanksgiving as a backdrop to the story. The holiday's traditional emphasis on family gatherings and gratitude juxtaposed against the bloody killings creates an eerie setting that adds to the overall creepy atmosphere of the movie.

The performances of the lead actors are commendable, with Louise Lasser delivering the standout performance as the troubled mother. Mark Soper impresses with his dual performance as Todd and Terry, portraying the two different personalities with ease. Julie Gordon, as Karen, provides the required emotional anchor to the story.

The movie's soundtrack is an essential ingredient in creating the creepy ambiance. Richard Einhorn's haunting score is a mix of synth-pop instrumentals, giving the movie a distinct 80s vibe.

In conclusion, Blood Rage is a bloody, atmospheric, and entertaining slasher movie that horror fans are sure to enjoy. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other movies in the genre, it is certainly worth watching for its unique take on the twin relationship dynamic and its use of a holiday setting.