Genre blending is not only a challenge but when done correctly can be a huge success. The most recent example of genre blending is the horror western Bone Tomahawk which in it’s unique presentation and deep character driven story has landed itself on many Top 10 lists with positive reviews across the board. Coming in 2016 the horror western trend continues with the latest from Greeks Films called Killed or Be Killed
The plot for the Duane Graves and Justin Meeks tale is as follows and check out the trailer immediately after the synopsis:
In the autumn of 1900, outlaw Claude Barbee puts his “retirement plan” in action, attempting to lead his train-robbing gang across Texas to recover a cash stash hidden after a botched railroad heist. They soon discover they’re being hunted by more than just the law – but rather a merciless, unexpected evil quite possibly greater than themselves.
The trailer does a phenomenal job of hiding what the evil force may be. Will this film take a turn for the supernatural? We will find out soon enough. Kill or Be Killed has been picked up by the ever growing RLJ Entertainment and is set for DVD and VOD release on March 1
Kille or Be Killed has a slew of stars leading to the assumption it could be an ensemble western horror. The film stars one of the writers and directors Justin Meeks alongside Paul McCarthy-Boyington, Bridger Zadina, Deon Lucas, Greg Kelly, Larry Grant Harbin, Arianne Margot, Luce Rains, Timothy McKinney, Karrie Cox, Pepe Serna, Edwin Neal, Bill Johnson, and Sonny Carl Davis. Joining the already large cast will be horror legend from The Hills Have Eyes and The Devil’s Rejects Michael Berryman.
Greek Films, the production company behind Kill or Be Killed, are no strangers to horror. The team comes from Austin, Texas and is comprised of director, writer Duane Graves and his college friend director, writer, actor Justin Meeks. Their first project together was a trilogy of experimental horror films. Produced together with the co-writer of the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the trilogy was released on DVD by Pop Cinema. Afterwards Greek Films dappled in comedy but came back to horror with Butcher Boys which is currently available here
Blending genres is a fun way to experiment and explore different aspects of the horror genre while keeping fresh and relevant in an every changing industry. By blending western and horror the artist has the opportunity to explore many different aspects of villains from man verse man to man verse supernatural to even man verse nature. Kill or Be Killed seems to be a wonderful addition this evolving genre and we here at We Are Indie Horror cannot wait to make a trip to the old west for some good ol’ horror.
