This film was clearly made by people who overreached their abilities. It boasts some pretty effective special effects, but that's about it. Being indie shouldn't equate to horrible writing and horrendous actors that feel like they're just friends with the director.
A word of advice: details. Focus on the details. It's the subtle details that can elevate a horrible executed film like this above some of the basic indie horror fare. There's more to horror than a killer on the loose and gory deaths. Take the time to hone the dialogue, even if you don't really care about the characters, don't just have people say things like "Something isn't right, I just feel it" for no reason other than you think it adds suspense. Don't have characters ramble on in scenes when they can't act to save their lives. You may be trying to pay homage, but the execution is off--watch those films again, and even though they can be pretty bad there's a charm that your film doesn't possess. If you want to make an 80s film, then go all out and make an 80s film, camera angles, bad acting, and all.
But kudos on the effects.
A word of advice: details. Focus on the details. It's the subtle details that can elevate a horrible executed film like this above some of the basic indie horror fare. There's more to horror than a killer on the loose and gory deaths. Take the time to hone the dialogue, even if you don't really care about the characters, don't just have people say things like "Something isn't right, I just feel it" for no reason other than you think it adds suspense. Don't have characters ramble on in scenes when they can't act to save their lives. You may be trying to pay homage, but the execution is off--watch those films again, and even though they can be pretty bad there's a charm that your film doesn't possess. If you want to make an 80s film, then go all out and make an 80s film, camera angles, bad acting, and all.
But kudos on the effects.