REVIEW — Bystanders (2024)

Bystanders, an Epic Pictures feature film about a college party gone wrong. Feminist theming on point, one girl in danger of frat bros with bad intentions meets an unsuspecting couple that helps her fight through a night of bloodshed.

Let’s talk story first. I think pretty much everyone has some memory of a college party — not one quite like this, hopefully — but my point remains the same. There’s a sort of nostalgic, glowy filter for a lot of the beginning that lulls you into the main plot before ripping out any sense of youthful magic as you listen to these dude-bros talk about their “plans” with the girls. In a sobering turn of events, the real story starts.

I’m happy to say that director Mary Beth McAndrews knew what to show and what to imply. Bystanders is dealing with sexual assault and murder here, so tastefulness is the key word; tastefulness, while still holding those feminist ideals of not shying away from the horrors women often endure, of showing women (and men) rising up and defeating a threat like toxic masculinity. Unlike other rape revenge films, we are spared from the traumatizing bits and given a heaping spoonful of turned tables. These frat guys messed with the wrong couple!

Broooooo, for a sweet Millennial couple, I was ecstatic to see how quick they turned into Rambo and the Predator, hunting down these guys like it was a game! A lot of times we see people forced into situations where they need to defend themselves, but our star couple, Clare (Jamie Alvey) and Gray (Garrett Murphy) were made for this. With the help of victim-turned-hero Abby (Brandi Botkin), Bystanders gives power back to the powerless on a silver platter.

Being McAndrews‘ directorial debut, Bystanders is hit the ground running with kills that were very well-deserved, in my humble opinion. In 82 minutes, a whopping 60 is dedicated to righting the wrongs of these college guys, just what I like to see. Bystanders is chaotic good and the massacre of a movie I was looking for. A little twist here, a lot of blood there, and some laughs along the way, this film is bound to speak to people. The days of ultra graphic, traumatic movies are gone; I like this kind a lot better!

Bystanders will be available to rent or purchase on VOD on 21 January 2025.