BUNKER -- A Well-Directed Period Horror Film Held Back by a Terrible Script

Review by Sean Boelman

The horror genre typically lives or dies by its execution, as strong execution with a weak script can still be pretty entertaining. However, there are some times when a screenplay is so far beyond salvation that not even the best storytelling can make it compelling — and Bunker is unfortunately proof of that.

The film follows a group of soldiers who find themselves trapped in a bunker, being tormented by a malevolent force that turns them against one another. It’s a pretty straightforward “cabin fever” premise, but in a unique setting that promises to offer a unique spin on two well-worn genres. 

From the highly stylized credits, which are reminiscent of old school war movies, you can tell that this is trying to be a campy throwback picture. It does the throwback part well, with Andrew Morgan Smith’s score being the absolute MVP of the movie, but it fails with the campiness, instead opting to take itself too seriously as a horror flick.

Adrian Langley’s direction is actually quite phenomenal — it’s just a shame that the script is so underwhelming. The film’s outstanding production design and costuming, dim and flickering lighting, and impressive (mostly) practical effects go a long way in making the viewer feel like they are trapped in this bunker with these soldiers. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough to make audiences care about what is going on.

The whole affair has an air of eeriness to it, and there are even a few parts that are downright disturbing. However, despite the tension that Langley is able to build, it largely feels disjointed. The movie attempts to capitalize on the unknown and the mystery of whether these events are supernatural or psychological, and it fails to strike an intriguing balance.

Perhaps the biggest shortcoming of the script is its character development. Of course, we are introduced to the platoon through expositional dialogue and shallow, generic backstories. All of the soldiers share the common motivation of “getting home,” with the only variation being to whom they’re going home. It’s a universal human emotion, and is somewhat relatable, but it isn’t enough to make the film interesting.

The ensemble is also a weakness. Viewers might recognize a few members of the cast as character actors, but there are no A-list stars to be found here. It doesn’t help that none of the roles are particularly meaty, but many of the performances that are given are the quality of a war reenactor who has never seen real combat in their life.

Bunker is undeniably impressive on a technical level — which is incredibly sad, because this could have been the talented director Langley’s shot to the big leagues. Unfortunately, the script is so rudimentary that the final project is an absolute struggle to get through despite inspired execution.

Bunker hits theaters on February 24.

Rating: 2/5