Between possessions and misuse of the iconic Ouija board, here is yet another example of why staying away from all things demonic may be best for your well-being. Trouble is brewing on the horizon when the annual Halloween gathering consisting of longtime friends Lee (Lennon Carter), Charlie (Lo Lundeen), Raemee (Jalina Brown), Maggie (Cameron Jackson), and Sam (Charlie Jackson) takes a nasty supernatural turn.
Familiar as its premise may be, They Slay, directed by Maddie Macloud, expertly builds tension by breaking down its central friend group. Insecurities and unresolved past issues permeate their everyday lives, evidently influencing their treatment of each other. Breakups are also part of this tumultuous equation, as Maggie’s recent breakup with Lee spills over into her not-so-great current date in Sam. Of course, this is around the time that the good old Ouija board comes out to play, magnifying their already problematic relationships. The planchette begins to move awkwardly, and amidst the arguing, Charlie begins acting rather erratically. There’s a presence in the house, but its motives remain a mystery until it gets everyone exactly where it wants them.
Despite all its lively colors and personalities that initially hint at a wild, Blumhouse-esque scarefest, They Slay turns into an exceptionally well-written dramedy along the way. Co-writers of the short’s screenplay, Lennon Carter and Lo Lundeen, are particularly good, with the former turning a potentially one-note ex in Lee into a mature, fully fleshed-out character in no time at all. Another small, but still significant detail is that the script really makes an effort to eliminate common horror tropes; those present are well-versed in ouija etiquette and mostly abide by the rules.
But while the ensemble proves incredibly talented, the creepier aspects are lacking in substantial impact. Flashing lights, a handful of SFX, and yes, the odd jumpscare are peppered in every now and again, but the film feels perpetually stuck in first gear where the overall supernatural threat is concerned. It’s not even for a lack of trying, as composer Dan R. Howard’s score ramps up intensity with every note, masterfully so.
It may leave you craving a little more horror, but They Slay’s excellent cast still delivers a meaningful slice of interpersonal drama.
