Bloody New Year

Sci-fi/horror Indie about teens stuck on an island in Wales

Six Welsh youths enjoy a day at the carnival and sailing, when they are forced to stop at an island where strange things begin happening.

"Bloody New Year" (1987) takes the basic plot of “Out of Control” (1984) and mixes in a little “Funhouse” (1981) with touches of “Carnival of Souls” (1962) and “The Evil Dead” (1981). It’s a Welsh Indie and so it’s interesting to see everyday life in Wales, not to mention it’s colorful enough.

Unfortunately, the characters aren’t developed and so the viewer doesn’t really care about them as they flee from one bizarre event to the next. The reason “Out of Control” worked so well is because the filmmakers took the time to flesh out the characters, not to mention throw in real-life microcosms.

It’s not all bad, however. Mark Powley is an interesting male protagonist while petite Nikki Brooks shines. Catherine Roman is also on hand as a young Debra Winger lookalike, just all-around lesser.

The movie runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot at Barry Island and nearby Penarth, Wales.

GRADE: C/C- (4.5/10)