"Butchers" (2020)

"Butchers" (2020) is a Canadian horror film directed by Adrian Langley that dives deep into the brutal and terrifying world of rural slashers. The story centers around two sadistic brothers, Owen and Oswald Watson, who live in an isolated rural area and take pleasure in torturing and killing anyone who crosses their path. Set in a bleak, wintry landscape that mirrors the cold-hearted cruelty of its villains, the film is a dark descent into a world without morality or hope. When a group of unsuspecting travelers breaks down near the Watsons' territory, they become the next victims in a gruesome game of cat and mouse.

The film follows many familiar tropes of the slasher genre: an isolated setting, a group of young adults, and a pair of relentless killers. However, "Butchers" distinguishes itself through its grim atmosphere and unrelenting violence. The brothers, played chillingly by Simon Phillips (Owen) and Michael Swatton (Oswald), embody the purest form of evil — they kill without reason or remorse, enjoying the power and control they hold over their victims. Their farmhouse, filled with bloodstained tools and rotting corpses, becomes a nightmare from which there is seemingly no escape.

One of the film's strengths lies in its cinematography and use of setting. The cold, desolate wilderness of rural Canada adds an eerie, almost apocalyptic feeling to the story. The snow-covered landscapes and abandoned buildings make everything feel lifeless and forgotten, enhancing the sense of hopelessness. Despite its low budget, "Butchers" makes effective use of lighting, shadows, and sound to build suspense and maintain a constant feeling of dread throughout the film.

In terms of character development, "Butchers" is more focused on delivering shocks and gore than creating deeply layered characters. The victims are mostly archetypal — the strong one, the scared one, the defiant one — and while they serve their roles well, the real focus is on the terrifying unpredictability of the Watson brothers. As the film progresses, viewers come to realize that there is no logic to their madness, making the threat they pose even more terrifying.

Critics have given mixed reviews to the film. While some appreciate its throwback to classic 1980s slashers and its commitment to raw horror, others criticize its lack of originality and depth. Still, for fans of gritty, survival-based horror, "Butchers" delivers a relentless and bloody ride that doesn’t shy away from the genre’s darkest elements.In conclusion, "Butchers" is a disturbing and violent horror film that leans heavily into the slasher tradition. While it may not offer much in terms of innovation or character complexity, it succeeds in creating a horrifying atmosphere and delivering intense, graphic scares. It is a film best suited for hardened horror fans who can appreciate its brutal simplicity and relentless pacing.