31 More Days of Horror: Splinter (2008)

Seth (Paulo Costanzo) and Polly (Jill Wager) have planned this trip for weeks--anniversary sex under the stars. But when they become hostages of an escape convict Dennis (Shea Whigham) and his girl Lacey (Rachel Kerbs), the couple aren't sure they will survive the ride. After hitting a bump in the road that causes a flat tire, the foursome finds themselves prey of a bloodthirsty parasite. Trapped inside an abandoned gas station, the couples are forced to come together to outsmart the vicious splinter attacks from an unknown predator.

Splinter is a well executed indie horror movie that delivers. The movie knows exactly what its doing. The plot is simple: horny kids attacked. It's what director Toby Wilkins does with the screenplay that is so good.

Wilkins quickly amps up a mediocre beginning into a terse, claustrophobic standoff between victims and prey. Flickering sequences of gory demises and simple cinematography keep the film nicely paced.  The solid cast of no names provide human interest. But Splinter stays on target, disposing of them succinctly. Sure the film takes a few liberties, but the scare is so riveting you won't notice until after the credits roll.

Just how successful is Splinter? This viewer started on the sofa, but after the first vicious attack, spent the remainder of the film pacing back and forth.