With HPE (Hardcore Poisoned Eyes) Sal Ciavarello has crafted a slick and effective horror film. Shot entirely on Digital Video, on what I'm assuming is a shoestring budget; Ciavarello has succeeded in doing what so many filmmakers have failed in. HPE doesn't work because it's silly, or camp, or dumb horror you can drink to, it works because it's well written, acted, and above all directed.

Angelique (Christine Gallo), Sarah (Wendy Allyn) and Ellie (Jessica Hester) are three friends vacationing at a cabin in the dead of winter in upstate New York. Angelique has an ulterior motive for the trip. Her grandfather was murdered in a robbery attempt, an attempt that Angelique finds hard to swallow. Apparently, her grandfather was doing research on satanic cults for a book he was writing and was in contact with a member from a local sect. Angelique believes said cult has something to do with her grandfather's murder. That night, in a drunken stupor, Sarah calls Angelique's grandfathers "contact" and rambles about knowing what he did, and that they are presently at the cabin. Realizing what they have done, the girls are now fully aware of a drunken joke gone terribly wrong and that they are in store for a true night of terror.

Hardcore Poisoned Eyes is far from a perfect film. HPE is definitely not without its problems, but the bottom line is that it is a really good film. The script is engaging and intelligently written, containing deep-rooted conversations in religion, among other things. The characters are well developed, and most of all interesting. All 3 female leads provide effective performances. There are some truly chilling moments in this film, and you're probably gonna want to watch it more than once, right off the bat.

The DVD of HPE is a well constructed special edition of sorts. While there is only a basic menu design and no chapter stops, the quality of the DVD is outstanding. The film is presented matted at 1.85:1 and appears to have been shot for the matte as everything looks properly framed. The sound is a subtle, yet effective Dolby Stereo mix. Special mention goes out to the score, which is highly original, and only enhances the frightening atmosphere provided. Extras include an informative and fun commentary (with director, producer and DP) and a short interview with writer/director Ciavarello. Sal is a true fan of horror, and it's obvious this film is a total labor of love.

Looking for a fresh source for horror? HPE is it, without a doubt. Sal Ciavarello should have a long and fruitful career ahead of him. I look forward to seeing what he has planned for us next.