Everybody Gets Stabbed

"Everybody Gets Stabbed" is an unconventional, eerie, and darkly humorous Australian horror comedy film that was released in 2020. Directed by Stu Simpson and written by Simon McQuoid, the film features an intriguing blend of enigmatic mystery, ironic banter, and brutal horror, with the performances of Nick Pages-Oliver, Daniel Buckle, and Jayden Arts leading the way.

The story pivots around two best friends, Clive and Damon, both portrayed brilliantly by Nick Pages-Oliver and Daniel Buckle. Life is simple for these two carefree, video-game loving, beer-drinking roommates until their quiet mundanity is interrupted by a unique and dangerous obsession. Stirred by their insatiable curiosity for all things wild and dangerous, they become transfixed by the idea of getting into close proximity with a serial killer. The fascination is not born out of admiration or approval, but rather a deep intrigue and the exhilarating adrenaline that accompanies danger.

Jayden Arts enters the narrative as the ominous third character who forces the plot into unchartered territory. The film gathers more depth when this stranger, who becomes their new roommate, may or may not be a serial killer they so curiously wanted to have an encounter with, turning the plot into a transfixing cat and mouse game. The chilling suspense and mysterious events that follow, accompanied by smart narrative devices, create an enjoyable atmosphere of modern-day horror, blending exquisitely with a heavy dose of black comedy.

The central theme of the film, true to its title, is a unique exploration of the horror genre. However, it's not just about the physical act of stabbing, but also metaphorically about each character stabbing the other - either through betrayal, deceit or manipulation. The script of the movie is rife with ironic humor, as well as subtle commentaries on relationships, trust, and human fascination with the grotesque.

A notable aspect of the film is the performances. Nick Pages-Oliver, as Clive, the more dominant and outgoing of the two friends, and Daniel Buckle, as Damon, the more cautious and laid-back one, bring their remarkably different characters to life effortlessly. Their complex friendship forms the core of the narrative. As for Jayden Arts' portrayal as the composed, eerie, and enigmatic potential serial killer, it only benefits the overall narrative, injecting further chills and thrills.

"Everybody Gets Stabbed" is a film that can be appreciated for its originality and manner of storytelling, with its engrossingly crafted plot that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The director, Stu Simpson, successfully creates a perfect balance between comedy and horror, which is no small feat. He toggles effectively between suspenseful, almost claustrophobic moments, and light-hearted banter and video game brawls.

The physical stabbings, as horrific as they are, take a backseat to the verbal jabbing, mind games, and manipulation that run rampant. It's peppered throughout with dark wit, the laughs consciously adding a layer of irony against the ominous backdrop of the serial killer potentially living next door. A seemingly absurd premise, but rest assured – it's handled with an astute sense of storytelling that navigates through both the horror and humor with equal expertise.

Not only is the movie a captivating thriller, but it also works beautifully as a social satire, subtly critiquing the impacts of desensitization to violence, fascination with the macabre, and the human tendency to indulge danger for thrill.

In conclusion, "Everybody Gets Stabbed" is an engaging, thrilling, and subtly humorous take on the horror genre with strong performances, a gripping plot, and a suspenseful atmosphere that remains long after the credits roll. Whether you're a devotee of the horror-comedy genre, or just a fan of offbeat, unconventional cinema, this film is definitely worth a watch.