Demons Never Die

Awash with horror movie references but styled like just annuva urban grime movie, the hybrid ‘slasher’ film formerly known as ‘Suicide Kids’ suffers from an identity crisis. A death pact involving Archie (Robert Sheehan), Jasmine (Jennie Jacques) and half a dozen other misfit London teens gives way to a realisation that they each have something to live for. Except perhaps loud-mouthed, racist psycho Kenny (Jason Maza), whose shaky-cam video documentary – narrated by him and shot by computer nerd Davey (Andrew Ellis) – will culminate with his killing all the turncoats and himself at a party.

Then a ‘Scream’-style masked killer with a hunting knife pops up out of nowhere, scattering suspicion, red herrings and redundant sub-plots in his/her wake. In an attempt to be all tings to all kids, director Arjun Rose piles on the flashy visuals and split-screen technique, slathers on some music and resorts to a ‘Blair Witch’-style night-vision finale that obscures the point. Plus there’s a sign-posted final twist that will surprise no self-respecting horror fan.