First time watching The Prowler and I was pleasantly surprised. For a slasher from the early ’80s that doesn’t always get mentioned with the big names, it really delivers where it counts. The kills are absolutely brutal—Tom Savini went all out with the effects and they still hold up today. The movie has this really mean, grimy vibe that makes it stand out from a lot of slashers that feel a bit lighter or campier.
That said, the flaws are pretty easy to spot. The story drags in certain spots and there are long stretches where not much happens. The characters are mostly flat and don’t leave much of an impression outside of being victims. And when the killer is revealed, it’s not exactly the most shocking or satisfying twist.
Even with those issues, this is a solid slasher that nails the atmosphere and tension while giving some of the best gore effects of its era. Not perfect, but for my first watch, I had a good time—and I get why this one has a cult following.
First time watching The Prowler and I was pleasantly surprised. For a slasher from the early ’80s that doesn’t always get mentioned with the big names, it really delivers where it counts. The kills are absolutely brutal—Tom Savini went all out with the effects and they still hold up today. The movie has this really mean, grimy vibe that makes it stand out from a lot of slashers that feel a bit lighter or campier.
That said, the flaws are pretty easy to spot. The story drags in certain spots and there are long stretches where not much happens. The characters are mostly flat and don’t leave much of an impression outside of being victims. And when the killer is revealed, it’s not exactly the most shocking or satisfying twist.
Even with those issues, this is a solid slasher that nails the atmosphere and tension while giving some of the best gore effects of its era. Not perfect, but for my first watch, I had a good time—and I get why this one has a cult following.
