From independent filmmaker Ron Ford and producer William Combs comes the killer thriller DEAD SEASON. With a cast of indie regulars and cameos from several cult stars, this film takes a Hitchcockian look at a town with a sinister reputation - seems it's the place of choice for serial killers to reside.

In the seaside town of Craven Cove, a young man and his gal wax philosophically about the quantum nature of things - how the choices we make have effects that we may not be aware of. In their case, one of those choices has led them now to be slaughtered by a knife-wielding maniac! Cut to a young woman hitchhiking towards town. Jenny is a fan of true crime writer Lucas Swan, and it's evident she's a little obsessed with serial killers, Swan, and the coastal town's rep. After several eventful, albeit short trips, she arrives in Craven Cove at the bed & breakfast run by Swan. It's late in the year - what the locals call the 'dead season' because of the dearth of tourists, but Jenny is excited to be close to her idol. After an encounter with Clay, Swan's simple-minded gardener, Jenny has the pleasure of meeting the man himself. Swan is taken quite aback by Jenny's rather forward demeanor, and treats her with distain. But his attitude doesn't diminish Jenny's glee as she tells him he needs to write another book - and she'll gladly help! Swan informs her one book was enough - he found the bodies left by the killer in his own hotel - and the true murderer was never caught. He tells Jenny he knows who that killer was, but the police didn't believe him. The girl is absolutely smitten with the idea that the real killer was in this very boarding home, and winds up staying in the very room Swan's suspect rented all those years ago. Swan takes pity on Jenny and hires her as a 'consultant' - but he's still not gonna write that second book! As Jenny settles into her role in Swan's life, strange occurrences are taking place. There's a new series of murders, and the evidence implicates Clay! Swan is sure his friend isn't capable of murder, and he and Jenny work to prove his innocence.

DEAD SEASON proves itself to be a pretty nifty thriller. The story has many unexpected turns and the identity of the real serial killer is a clever twist. The editing and shot selection is very reminiscent of film noir - many odd angels and quick cuts heighten the suspense. I will say thought that the film gets a little long at the end; it could have been tightened up a bit to make it more effective. Music is an added benefit in DEAD SEASON, used very effectively throughout the movie. The picture quality is pretty decent - day shots and interiors are well lit, but there are some soft-focus problems once in awhile. Night scenes prove to be a nuisance - lighted images tend to bleed and the picture is a bit grainy. This detriment also affects the opening credits, which are difficult to read. However, the sound is uniformly good with voices clear and distinct, mixed well with the music. The acting is overall competent - Ford regular Randal Malone as Swan simply chews up the scenery. Trish Haight's Jenny character proves a little goes a long way. The rest of the cast gives believable performances, although none stand out (sorry Margaret O'Brien...). Overall, DEAD SEASON shows a real commitment from cast and crew to make a taunt thriller - and to their credit, they succeed.

DEAD SEASON shows that with a dedicated crew, a complex, engaging thriller is very possible on a small budget (got that, Hollywood?). Despite some technical limitations, the story grabs you, the characters keep you, and the film keeps surprising you. Want to see a nice little thriller without all the major studio pretensions? Then make your reservation for DEAD SEASON.