213 BONES (2025)

3 stars

UK Premiere at FrightFest London. 24th August

A stormy night. A romantic sexual encounter – but there is someone there apart from the couple. Whilst he showers, she is brutally stabbed to death by an intruder in a strange mask and long straggly red hair. He is also has his throat slashed and then is repeatedly stabbed. We are in slasher territory…

2 years later at Bristol Falls College with the usual bunch of interchangeable student types. I could list their names but probably no point as they are the normal cliches you get in this type of film —perky, nerdy, drug dealer … You know the drill. The only oddity is an old guy named Bob (Dean Cameron). He’ll probably be important later you think, as they study the bones in their forensic anthropology class lead by their tutor Kelly (Colin Egglesfield).

Of course it isn’t long before one of them ends up dead in the library. Sheriff Bracco (Ernest Walker) is leading the case helped by Laurie (Francesca Barker McCormick), the county coroner. As things progress bits of bone keep turning up — just before another killing takes place. Who will be next? Will you honestly care as the youngsters start to use what they have learned in class to try and ascertain who the murderer is.

I have given this kind short shrift as there nothing new on offer here – a bunch of youngsters are targeted by a killer. Various red herrings along the way. Some gory deaths. Variable acting. The reveal is ridiculous as is the motivation. In case you are interested the title refers to the number of bones in a human — which I am informed by a doctor friend is actually incorrect.

Steve Kirkham