Chris Ryhmer (Amber Wedding) and her son Jeremy (Aiden Shurr) settle into their new life in a small town far from the city. Jeremy, having trouble in school, ends up bonding with his part-time caretaker, Hilda Corvis (Carol Anne Dines), an elderly local who seems to be the Ryhmer’s only friend in the area. Feeling some mysterious anxiety—atop the typical strain of raising a young teenage boy—Chris starts confiding in an eerie-looking scarecrow that stands in a property near her new home.
At nearly the same time, mysterious and brutal killings erupt in the homes and cornfields around the town. Sheriff’s Deputy Stott Terre (Adam Snyder) begins an informal investigation of Chris, seeing as she appeared just before the killings began. Instead of making a break in the case, an attraction blooms between the man and woman. Together, they investigate ties to another batch of brutal and unsolved killings 40 years before which mirror the dark terror that stalks the town. They seek out Hilda when it is revealed she witnessed some of the historic killings.
This classically styled, low-budget slasher is a non-stop romp. Those seeking a 70s or 80s-era B-horror film will be absolutely thrilled to find Dark Night of the Scarecrow 2 on public library shelves. While the focus of the film is murder, every on-screen killing is tastefully choreographed and brilliantly shot.
We are often spared the worst gore if only to save money on effects. That being said, the practical effects are classic and brilliant. The first murder still sticks out in my mind: We only see the blade of a scythe shining in the moonlight and wet with blood, protruding from the boards in a barn door. There is a similar artful thoughtfulness in nearly every shot.
While the plot is very easy to follow, it is filled with a mystery that is compelling and unfolds quite naturally. The acting can be a bit amateurish at points, but people who enjoy B-horror expect more than is present in Dark Night of the Scarecrow 2.
Film programmers should include this title in a film series on slashers and horror with female protagonists. If your public library, university, or community organization wants to host an adult-oriented public screening during Halloween, consider Dark Night of the Scarecrow 2. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Dark Night of the Scarecrow 2 belongs in the Horror section, but if your horror collection is expansive consider placing it beside other B-horror titles and slasher flicks.
What type of library programming could use this title?
This thrilling horror film would be an excellent addition to late-night Halloween slasher film festivals or a recommended film section of the horror genre for the spooky season.