The 6th Friend was made on a very modest budget, with actors that wouldn’t be considered “A-listers”. Horror seems to be the one genre that gives these types of films the most chance for success. The built-in beauty with the genre is that the less you show, the more intriguing, and possibly frightful it can become. Past films such as The Blair Witch Project (1999), Paranormal Activity (2007) or the just-released Bird Box (2018) on Netflix have thrived on having great success while showing audiences virtually nothing. This should give potential viewers a little hope that they could be in for a little fun and maybe a welcome surprise or two. Let’s get to the review to find out more.

When six friends throw a small party to celebrate their graduation, they assumed that it would be a happy send-off towards a happy and adventurous adulthood. Instead, the night of jubilation would quickly turn into a dark cloud of dread that would never forget. Years later when a decision is made to get the gang together again for a small reunion, the find out that all isn’t forgotten and that their nightmare experience would once again be shared by all. Some secrets are worth killing for.

Letia Clouston co-wrote and directed this piece that has finally received proper distribution. The work has been finished since 2016 but only now has made its way to select theaters across the country. Starring Jamie Bernadette, Chantelle Albers, Dominique Swain, Jessica Morris, Tania Nolan and Monique Rosario, The 6th Friend is truly a collaborative work with Bernadette and Albers also serving as producers in addition to their acting roles. To go even one step further in a responsibility perspective, Bernadette co-wrote the screenplay. Was there anything that Jamie wasn’t a part of?

The acting is solid, albeit over-the-top and sensationalized, which matched the vibe of the dramatic performances of the terrified young ladies. It’s all done in the name of fun and entertainment value so it can be appreciated for what it is. There’s not a lot blood and gore, so aside from its strong language and suspenseful killer moments, this is mostly tame by today’s standards. This team gets a decent amount done with not a lot to work with.

The 6th Friend is given room to roam with its vague visuals of the horror these six friends are facing. There’s nothing terribly frightening about this feature but its tone is reminiscent of those found in many 1980s popcorn horror flicks and ones more recently experienced in ones such as the Scream franchise. Slashers usually have a campy fun vibe attached to them, and this one is no different. While not without its flaws, The 6th Friend keeps viewers engaged throughout its 85 minute runtime.