Movie Review: Despite its title, the slasher siege movie ‘Onslaught’ takes its time
Adam Wingard's not-quite-grindhouse siege film "Onslaught" has a contemporary pulse, despite not delivering much more than a flicker of its throwback promise. The movie, a 92-minute lean B-movie thriller, begins with a ticking clock below 12 hours and takes its time leading to a bloody finale. Celeste, a single mom and PTSD-riddled former Army sniper, defends herself and her young daughter from an invasion of three highly programmed super-soldiers in a desert trailer park.
The movie's setup is intentionally straightforward, aiming for a simple slasher setup in the mold of John Carpenter. Wingard, known for his low-budget thrillers "You're Next" and "The Guest," has spent the last decade in more IP-managed releases. However, "Onslaught" is intentionally straightforward, often brainless, and straightforward to the point of being brainless.
The movie has a bit of both: a Western plain setting and moments of leisurely depiction of life at the Windy Oasis trailer park. Arjona, a supporting standout in "Hit Man" and "Splitsville," shows leading-woman grit in her role. "Onslaught" is rated R for strong bloody violence, some gore, sexual material/nudity, and language.
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