Bereavement is a slasher movie with some strong points - good acting (Michael Biehn, Alexandra Daddario and the rest of the cast) and a good cinematography and production value. The weakest point: the behavior of the victims is so dumb like they never heard any news of serial killers and maniacs or never watched some horror movies. So watching them killed I always thought - well , that's survival of the fittest, baby ;)

In a teenie-slasher with some elements of comedy such "behavior" of course is part of the deal, in a "serious" slasher like Bereavement it is not. On top, there are some implausibility and issues with the story: many girls disappear but nobody checks on the weird guy living in a old slaughterhouse, is just one of them. Also the "twist" (no, I won't spoil) I saw miles ahead coming and is just a cliche that wants to shock but can't, at least not the "serious" horror audience.

Well, with a more refine and plausible plot this movie could be easy a really good slasher. So it is a solid one, that is in the end not in every aspect convincing.

Apparently BEREAVEMENT is the prequel to another slasher flick, MALEVOLENCE, although I haven't seen that film. Not that I'm missing much, as this turns out to be the most routine horror film ever. The story tells of a guy in a 'creep van' who rides around abducting young women and murdering them in an abandoned slaughterhouse. There's a twist involving the killer's abduction of a small boy who he plans to make his apprentice, but it's hardly much of a twist; the ending is predictable from a mile off. So what do we have in a film devoid of originality, interesting characters, and entertainment value?

The answer is Michael Biehn. The TERMINATOR star plays the supporting role of the heroine's uncle, proving solid amongst a mix of humdrum acting turns. Although, I have to say, that Alexandra Daddario stands out (for a couple of prominent reasons) as a modern-day scream queen, playing virtually the same role here as her later one in Texas CHAINSAW 3D. The actor playing the villain is weak, though, and the kill scenes are vicious, mean-spirited and unappetising, with little of merit for anyone who's seen anything even halfway similar.

In 1989 rural Pennsylvania, young Martin Bristol was kidnapped by sadistic killer Graham Sutter (Brett Rickaby) from his backyard. He suffers from CIPA which prevents him from feeling pain and other sensations. He is forced to witness the torture and killing of women. Five years later, Allison Miller (Alexandra Daddario) arrives to live with her uncle Jonathan Miller (Michael Biehn) and his family after the death of her parents. She connects with neighbor boy Billy who has a trouble family life of his own. Graham lives in the nearby shutdown family meat packing plant where he does his killings.

This is a function slasher horror movie. Alexandra Daddario is a good scream queen. She has many assets including her screaming. It's always nice to see Michael Biehn but he has little to do in this movie. Brett Rickaby is more of a minor secondary actor and is not a compelling enough villain. The damsel almost never holds on to a weapon which gets a bit annoying. Also I don't know why she tells the little girl to stay when the house is burning around them. Actually I do know why but there has to be a better way. This is by no means great or special. It'll do for a late night viewing.