Directed by Mary Beth McAndrews and written by star Jamie Alvey, a group of murderous frat boys get more than they bargained for when they cross paths with a couple coming home from a wedding. Also starring: Brandi Botkin, Garrett Murphy, Bob Wilcox, Callie Kirk, Erica Dodt, Deaton Gabbard, John Conners, Eric Six, Zach Hurley and Chaney Morrow.

While first impressions are important in film, it’s also important to give them a chance even if they don’t make a good first impression. The opening of Bystanders is familiar and it’s giving the audience a somewhat repetitive look at how atrociously awful this group of young men are, which doesn’t have a great deal to offer, but stick with it, and it pays off.

That’s because, Bystanders doesn’t really get going until writer and actress Jamie Alvey gets to take the wheel as Clare. There are precious few horror heroines like this character, while the genre has come a long way from its often (but not always) misogynist, exploitative roots, their leading ladies still typically look and act a certain way. Clare is a refreshing change of pace, Alvey creates a woman who is unapologetic, confident and capable of great violence.

Not only that but having Clare paired with Gray (Garrett Murphy) is another step in the right direction. They have a surprisingly healthy relationship for a couple of killers, they’re in-sync and share responsibilities exceedingly well. Murphy and Alvey both give great performances, they have fun with the roles while never going over the top. They’re unexpectedly understated, keeping their characters calm and collected under pressure, it’s again a nice change of pace.

Similar could be said of Brandi Botkin’s Abby, she doesn’t simply fall into the role of victim and curl up in a ball, she has a great deal of resilience and adaptability to an extreme situation. While the frat boys are all played well, which actually gives quite little to say about them. To the credit of the actors, they tick all the right misogynistic, elitist, privileged boxes, to the point that you actually wish they’d appear less in Bystanders. Although, part of that is there is a touch more focus on them than feels strictly necessary.

The pacing can be a little slow to start off with, but it improves as time goes on, and the personalities of this vengeful trio come out of their shells. Mary Beth McAndrews’ directorial style is more low-key than expected for this type of violent affair. It feels as though it’s set to match the tone of Clare and Gray, rather than going for all-out carnage. It’s unexpected but it works well, McAndrews peppers the violence so it’s consistent rather than simply building up to a big finale, which was a great choice. Not to mention that you can never go wrong with an isolated cabin in the woods as a location choice.

Bystanders is an ode to horror past while bringing it further into the present. Taking a familiar formula and adding a new spin to mix social issues with unexpected heroes. It would fit nicely into the ‘eat the rich’ subgenre, as well as being a fun example of f**king around and finding out. Jamie Alvey wrote herself an excellent role and brings it to life with a kick-ass and satisfyingly self-assured performance. Alvey, Botkin and Murphy make for an entertaining trio in this low-key, bloody, vengeful adventure.

Verdict: ✯✯✯½ | 7/10

Available on VOD in the US from January 21