Horror Movie Review: Craving (2023)

Directed by J. Horton, who co-wrote the story with Gregory Blair, Craving is not the movie you might first think it is. Resulting in a wild and bloody romp that leaves you feeling breathless.

Starring Felissa Rose, Al Gomez, Holly Rockwell, Kevin Caliber, Ashley Undercuffler, Xavier Roe, and many more. The story surrounds a quiet bar in a small town that has a few patrons drinking the night away. Their peace and quiet is interrupted by the arrival of a group holding guns.

Is it a robbery? Seemingly not, as it’s quickly established that this group are being chased by another who might be even more deadly.

Surrounding the building and wearing garish masks, they demand that the people inside give themselves up. They want something and are willing to kill everyone to get it. Which puts the poor folk who were enjoying their drinks right in the middle of this violent dispute. Except, someone in the bar has a secret and it’s more deadly than anything else.

Part crime thriller, part creature feature; Craving is a compelling slow-burn horror that creates mystery and intrigue while building towards its exceptionally bloody ending. Through the use of flashbacks, the viewer learns about the characters and how they have ended up at the bar. What first looks like a bunch of desperate drug-addicts, one in particular who could use some right now, actually ends up being quite nuanced.

Their own trust issues and feelings to each other, end up being something the original bar patrons are able to take advantage of. Meaning there is a lot of tension as everyone tries to get the upper hand. All while the mysterious group outside prepare to assault the bar, get their revenge, and take what they want. It’s a big cast, but one that works well together, and has some standout performances.

On its own, this thriller part of the story would make a serviceable and enjoyable flick. However, there’s something much bigger going on here, something that turns Craving into an out and out horror movie.

Something that is hinted at throughout, and when revealed, turns the insanity up to 11. A massive amount of credit needs to be given to the special effects team who throw the blood and guts around like it’s going out of business. It will be many people’s favourite moment of the movie.

Overall though, Craving is a memorable movie that subverts expectations perfectly and delivers on its promises.