Horror Movie Review: Chatterbox (2022)

There’s nothing wrong with a slow-burn movie, but Chatterbox takes that to such an extreme, its pace might be better described as lethargic. Written and directed by Ben Patterson, Chatterbox is dull, and unremarkable slasher horror that looks and feels cheap.

Starring Stewart Howie, Luke McArthur, Ash Robbo, WPC Williams, Colin Jones, Gemma Harlow Dean, Shaniece Williams, Maria Hiscock, and Iain Hicken, Chatterbox’s first problem, might its biggest. A problem that relates to the script and how uninspired it is. A group of friends have pooled their money into a rundown property and are planning to renovate it. Unfortunately, their plans run into bother when a masked killer arrives.

… and that’s it. Thrilling, huh?

If the story being so poor wasn’t enough, the characters are equally bad. Lacking any defining feature, which might make them more believable, but doesn’t make for an interesting watch. What is far less believable, is the supposed fact that they are actually friends. Such is the lack of chemistry between them and the poorly written dialogue.

It’s fair to say that many actors would struggle here, but Chatterbox isn’t a role that anyone here is going to want on their resume. Bland performances, unconvincing behaviours and expressions, and some genuinely laughable moments of outright stupidity.

Where the movie really shows its ‘cheapness’ is with the house, which does look in serious need of renovation and the killer’s mask. A killer that is in the movie far too much, and really lacks in the fear department. The mask looks silly, and a better one could have been bought in a costume shop, but the general vibe of the person doesn’t sell any kind of threat.

Naturally, the expectation of disappointing kills, blood, and gore is well and truly met. There’s nothing memorable or exciting here, which is probably a good thing, as it would have likely been as unimpressive as everything else.

There’s a sense that Patterson was going for Giallo style movie here, but he’s missed the mark by some distance. All anyone will feel watching this, is innate boredom.