With summer nearing, what better time to stream a slasher flick set in a rustic campground? Why doesn’t do anything new with the subgenre, and at times it leans into some of the cliches, but it’s still a fun ride with plenty of gruesome kills and a likable final girl.

Written and directed by Corbin Timbrook, Why features an ax-wielding maniac (Michael Krause) who returns to Northdale Campgrounds after escaping a mental hospital. Unlike Freddy or Jason, the nameless killer has a paper-thin backstory. That said, he looks cool and imposing, wearing the skin of his victims. He eventually encounters Blake (Allison McAtee), a writer under intense pressure to finish her book, especially from her pushy publisher Nina, played by Natasha Henstridge of Species fame.

Blake stays at a cabin owned by her handsome doctor boyfriend, Jack (Chris Browning). Of course, when Jack’s arrival is delayed due to work, things don’t go well. The rest of the film plays like a cat and mouse game with plenty of suspense. The rustic setting works especially well, isolating the protagonist and putting her in greater peril.  Even early on, Timbrook creates a sense of danger, showing Blake sipping coffee on the massive cabin’s balcony, seemingly small against the deeply wooded area. We know that the killer lurks nearby. Yet, Blake is no damsel in distress.  She’s a fully realized character whose desires and wants are made clear. Kudos to Timbrook on that front.

The film deserves accolades for its effects and well-executed kills, too. Nothing’s restrained in that regard. The killer’s ax is seldom clean. Fans of 80s slashers should enjoy this one for the blood and splatter. The camera tends to linger on the victims, and the maniac has no qualms about displaying bodies around the campsite for the final girl to find. Sure, some of the kills are cliché. A nameless teenage couple has sex in a tent within the opening 10 minutes, for instance, and we all know how that typically ends.

Further, the campground setting resembles Friday the 13^th, and the killer’s POV shots mirror Black Christmas, Halloween, or Peeping Tom. However, this isn’t a film out to reinvent the wheel, and that’s just fine. It’s still a gruesome good time. It knows what it is and plays to those strengths, especially the death count.

The closing minutes set up a sequel, and if Timbrook creates a second installment, hopefully, he can flesh out the killer’s story. It’s merely hinted at but deserves more attention. Additionally, he should bring back McAtee as Blake and continue her character arc. There’s a lot of potential here and fertile ground left to explore.  It must also be noted that Lance Henriksen has a minor role as town sheriff. He doesn’t do much, but it’s still cool to see him in this film.

Until Halloween Kills and Scream 5 are released, give Why a chance to satiate your slasher cravings. Look for it On Demand beginning May 4.

7 out of 10 Bloody Axes