Demon Hunter (2016) User Reviews

I am the nightmare you deserve

[nogodnomasters · 3/10 · 18 July 2018]

Taryn Barker (Niamh Hogan) is a demon hunter using a katana and is also an non-toned emo "martial arts" fighter who has trouble with leg kicks. Early on, the film is divided into a modern day plot and explanatory flashback subplot where Taryn's sister is killed and Taryn becomes an avenging angel/demon hunter. The fight choreography, dialogue, acting, and plot in general left a lot on the table. The highlight was the "FOCS" news and the eye make-up. She is arrested and aided by a police officer (Alan Talbot). Cheap special effects.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity

Cringe-worthy but not bad in places

[mjsreg · 4/10 · 23 August 2017]

I think the producers must have got their friends to write five star reviews - or I was watching a totally different movie!

Anyway, this isn't too bad for a low-budget amateur production, but the same old 101 mistakes are rife throughout. It is not as though guidance for up-and-coming film makers is hard to find - it is everywhere.

First - SOUND! Again and again and again so many films like this fall down when it comes to reasonable quality sound. At times it is near impossible to hear dialogue, and at other times the sound jumps incomprehensibly between cuts or the levels are not taken care of properly in post. If the boom doesn't do the job then use radio mics for goodness sake. In some scenes the boom operator does a good job, then in the next it is totally awful.

Second - acting. Most of the acting was OK for an amateur production, but it was clear to see the difference between more seasoned actors - especially in the delivery of dialogue. Sometimes it seemed as though direction was seriously lacking and less experience actors were left to their own devices - which they tried to do as best a job of as they could.

Third - lighting and colour grading. Another very mixed bag. Sometimes the scenes were really well lit and graded and at other times it was damn awful. There didn't seem to be any consistency in approach or quality. There just isn't any excuse for this with the tools available now.

Lastly, editing and story. It wasn't a bad story, but was perhaps a little too ambitious for a low-budget/amateur production. I can see what was trying to be achieved, but the lack of attention to detail just didn't pull it off. Perhaps it would have been much better if the more demanding scenes (that required effects and fights) were simplified and placed in a more real-world context.

Not a bad film, but could have been better in very basic ways through attention to detail, even with the constraints of time and budget.

Slowwwww

[rndhyd · 3/10 · 14 January 2019]

I couldn't get past 35 minutes, which was almost torture. I almost stopped at b20 minutes in, but I was looking at my main screen.

Luckily, I have multiple screens (a 40", 50" & 2 smaller), which is great when playing movies, news & other. So, when I watch movies, much of my attention is drawn to my main screen.

Vampires & such are not a big draw for me, but I occasionally watch. This was just too boring. Although, as I'm typing, @43 minutes in, its picking up.

A bad movie in search of a script

[kirachloe · 2/10 · 6 October 2023]

You know this is going to be a shoddy movie within the first two minutes ... and it doesn't get any better as the movie goes along. When will the low-budget writers learn ... start with a good script! I have given 3's and more to low budget films if they actually took creating script seriously. Using poor cliches and even poorer scene setups is no way to make a movie. No amount of good acting (and there wasn't much here anyway) can make up for the audience wanting to run away.

But I have to also say, its funny that the reviewers with the higher ratings of this film even admit to its issues ... but they still give it high marks?? WHAT??? If it is a bad experience for the audience then it is a bad experience for the audience. I will give kudos where due, but the rating is for the experience, not because you liked one or two attributes.

Fantastic Indie Flick!

[mrvestek · 8/10 · 10 July 2017]

I'm not sure where the two previous bad reviews are coming from.

This film has won 10 international awards and even Lloyd Kaufman himself loved it so it gets my vote anyway!

In a nutshell, although not to demean from the main story itself this is basically "What is Buffy The Demon Slayer happened in Ireland?"

Personally I think it's a fantastic take on everything. The acting (save from one of the primary cast members IMHO) is excellent, the story is nice and well rounded and I'm not sure why the other previous reviews are talking about the VFX because they look good to me.

Are they 10 Million Dollar horror scifi budget level? Well of course not... this film is an indie flick so what more do you expect?

I think for what it is, the market it's going for and the actual story itself the film achieves exactly what it set out to do!

Personally I can't wait to see the sequel. :-)

Ohh... and that's coming from someone who isn't usually a fan of horror movies either.

Modern Buffy style action movie

[nickcassidywork · 7/10 · 10 July 2017]

I see a lot of 0 star reviews which is kind of harsh, i mean its not citizen kane its an action movie about a sexy girl fighting demons and monsters. and on that front it delivers. overall its got a good atmosphere and the characters build pretty well. I personally found the fight scenes to be fun and the demon effects to be pretty good. overall I think its a worthwhile debut from a promising young director and worth giving a shot if you need that Buffy itch scratched.

Enjoyable watch

[themagical-28643 · 9/10 · 11 July 2017]

I found it very enjoyable movie to watch, I liked the way it was shot, and enjoyed the story line. Not a bad production overall considering that it wasn't a huge Hollywood Studio multi million dollar production. I for one am looking forward to the sequel, at least I hope there is a second one.

Kicka** heroine+fantasy+action= great indie film

[quinn317 · 7/10 · 11 July 2017]

From Ireland comes this fast paced action, horror thriller! Demon Hunter is the story of young Taryn Barker (Niamh Hogan) as she journeys from guilt ridden teenager, to ass kicking heroine. Teenage angst and irresponsibility prompt Taryn to send her sister home alone after school. This selfish act inadvertently leads to Annabelle's violent death. Angry at herself for failing her sister, Taryn makes Detective Beckett (Alan Talbot) promise to find her sister's killer.

A cryptic message from a stranger offers to introduce Taryn to Falstaff; an ancient being that promises to name her sister's killer. But all is not as it seems and her revenge will come at a heavy cost; her soul. Falstaff appears to have knowledge beyond this world and tells Taryn she can get her revenge if she becomes his pupil. Taryn has no idea of the dangers this presents, but readily accepts his offer. During a ritual, Taryn abruptly realizes Falstaff may not be what he appears.

Told using flashbacks, the film chronicles the events from past to present and allow the viewer to enjoy the ride as timid Taryn turns into Taryn Barker: Demon Hunter.

Demon Hunter has some genuinely good fight scenes, special effects and beautiful shots of the city. Shot entirely in Ireland, director Zoe Kavanagh really makes a bold statement with her first film. The cities stone work and tight cobbled streets enhance the night shots. And the film is also supported by a strong goth-metal and industrial soundtrack which is every bit as good as the film.

Excellent

[danielbkennedy · 10/10 · 10 July 2017]

A great production by all involved the casting was also excellent. Excellent use of imagery and excellent performances by all of the cast. I enjoyed it so much I got the DVD I would recommend any action fan to see this a job well done. Also the music was really well fitted to all the different scenes spine chilling at times which is what movies are meant to do.

Great indie flick!

[Dvdscot-3 · 7/10 · 10 July 2017]

While searching for films for my Genre filmfest, this little gem was submitted to me and I was so glad. A really well made indie Horror Action Feature made on a very small budget over some course of time. A likable main character, a professional look, well done action scenes and a well layed out plot characterize this movie. It came 2nd place in the audience vote as well, can't wait for the sequel.

awesome!

[insanityfactory · 10/10 · 10 July 2017]

wow, well done to the makers of this - IMPRESSED! It's really good solid movie with awesome stunts, fist pumping score, cool special effects (as well as some good old school prosthetic's too!) That's a winning combination for me!! Add to all that really strong & solid action throughout and a great female lead who can really act too and kick ass as well as a great villain and like what more can you ask for from this kind of film?? It totally delivers no question. Really liked, would recommend definitely.

Cult Classic in the making

[magogilepsie · 9/10 · 13 July 2017]

Strong script , great cast and amazing strong leading lady,fantastic score and some old school special effects with a nice mix of some amazing computer graphics. Very Dark and some powerful imagery from the director. really impressed with this movie all around , you can see why it's won so many awards...This movie has all the makings to be come an iconic cult classic

An underrated Gem

[slipknot-45711 · 10/10 · 8 April 2022]

An enthralling story, driven by an incredible heroine. From the cinematography, lighting, music, and just the atmosphere, this carries a confidence few movies have.

Well shot action pieces are here, but for me it's the central character Taryn Barker, played incredibly by Niamh Hogan, that drives the movie. You won't be disappointed by what you watch, and can easily place Taryn as one of the new badass heroines of the 21st century.

Extra credit must go to Zoe Kavanagh for the direction of the project, and the clear passion she put into every aspect of this film.

A benchmark of Irish independent film making.

An excellent romp through dark demon infested Dublin!

[leeonaduff · 8/10 · 11 July 2017]

Demon Hunter is a breath of fresh air. Despite the clear lack of resources the strong story, gritty action sequences and fabulous practical effects more than make up for it. With witty one-liners abound and a sassy demon-butt kicking star this film is clearly just getting something started! Demon Hunter extremely fun and refreshing.

A kick ass fantasy action horror

[dannglynn · 8/10 · 13 July 2017]

I'm a this was a really enjoyable movie, love the story line and the great stunts and special effects.. Director Zoe Kavanagh did an awesome job!!! And Actress Niamh Hogan was exceptionally brilliant .... The location for filming (ireland) was a great touch to...I think MR-Katt is very harsh on his review, maybe it's a personal thing!!!

Fantastic Irish Thriller

[karolinakraus · 10/10 · 17 July 2017]

Excellent Irish film by Zoe Kavanagh,. Fantastic execution of a great script, looks like it had a much bigger budget than it actually did. Beautiful cinematography. Feels like the camera is within the scene, rather than just observing it, what increases the tension while watching. Quality of practical effects and set design really enrich the scenes. Very good acting from Niamh Hogan and Michael Parle. Editing-splendid! Sound design-fantastic, including the original scores. It's a cherry on top of a cake for the lovers of the real mystery thriller genre. I hope more films like this will be made in Ireland.

Still a real gem that surpasses expectations knowing its small budget

[handsomepig · 8/10 · 12 July 2017]

Zoe Kavanagh's 'Demon Hunter' played to a packed audience in Dundrum in Dublin recently in a one off special screening, earning it a well deserved rapturous applause 90 minutes later. Knowing the time & effort Zoe put into making this Jewel in her Crown of achievements so early in her career, I can only say I was blown away with what I saw. Heaven knows what she would do with a big budget at her disposal. As it is on limited release & picking up awards across the globe, I made sure I ordered it on pre-release from Amazon. When it arrived I watched it again & still loved it. This may look like one of the biased reviews that litter IMDb with the suspicious markings, but the production, direction, sound fx, soundtrack, visuals & excellent performances from Niamh Hogan & Michael Parle (especially one on one) compels me to give high marks. Watch it & remember it's a 70k budget then make your own minds up. I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Bigger budgets & better things are ahead for Zoe but who will obviously attract jealous 'types' voting this down without even seeing it which is sad. Keep 'em coming Zoe. Everyone is so proud of you.

Astonishingly assured debut from Irish Director Zoe Kavanagh!!

[davesullivan8 · 8/10 · 13 July 2017]

There was a lot of buzz about this feature for many years & boy does it live up to it's deserved hype! Zoe truly delivers an emotional, action packed film, involving evil demons, gun battles & a kick-ass heroine. As Director & Co-Writer, Zoe shows she is a serious force to be reckoned with! The story concerns Taryn Barker, played most confidently by Niamh Hogan, & her journey from ordinary school girl to being trained to take on powerful evil forces after her sister Annabelle, played by Aisli Moran (Spider's Trap) goes missing. Along the way, she encounters the mysterious Falstaff, played wonderfully sinister by Michael Parle, as well as a group of Hunters. There are many quirky, strange & memorable characters throughout that add a sense of realism. Also, involved in her quest, is Detective Beckett, played by Alan Talbot. There is never a dull moment as the story &, at times, fast paced editing, keeps it nicely flowing. The many fight scenes are well choreographed & there are some funny one-liners. The cinematography & production design (Luca Rocchini & Lilla Nurie respectively) are simply out-standing as this was entirely filmed in Ireland. The pulsating score by Scott Tobin & soundtrack (feat. Voxillary) is well balanced with emotional songs for poignant scenes. Zoe Kavanagh comes from a music video background for My Birthday Massacre, Clan of Xymox, etc. & this feature is very much influenced & styled as such. It was won many international awards & will most definitely be a cult-classic. All in all, this remarkable & enjoyable film is not to be missed! I feel it certainly deserves a sequel as I personally want to enjoy more tales from the world of Taryn Barker Demon Hunter!

Entertaining horror/action hybrid

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 16 October 2020]

Detective Beckett (a fine and likeable performance by Alan Talbot) joins forces with feisty demon hunter Taryn Barker (a lively and appealing portrayal by Niamh Hogan) to rescue Beckett's daughter from evil cult leader Falstaff (well played with deliciously wicked glee by Michael Parle).

Director/co-writer Zoe Kavanaugh keeps the enjoyable and engrossing story hurtling along at a brisk pace, stages the exciting action set pieces with go-for-it gusto, and delivers plenty of hyper-kinetic style to burn. Moreover, Hogan projects a winning blend of toughness and vulnerability as the titular character; her struggle to resist the temptations of the dark side and keep on fighting against evil along with her need to avenge the death of her sister gives this movie a substantial additional emotional punch. Luca Rocchini's sharp widescreen cinematography provides an impressive polished look. Scott Tobin's pulsating score and the hard-driving head-banging rock soundtrack both hit the stirring spot. A really fun flick.