Filled with humor, suspense and gore, SiREN is a surprisingly entertaining horror-thriller about an apprehensive groom-to-be whose bachelor party turns into a nightmare when he frees a seemingly innocent victimized girl locked up in a supernatural sex club. 

 

Jonah (Chase Williamson) is in love with the perfect woman and the wedding is just days away. With the looming nuptials ahead, his brother Mac (Michael Aaron Milligan) hosts a bachelor party road trip of sex, drinking, mushrooms and debauchery. Along for the ride are Jonahs best man, good-guy Rand (Hayes Mercure) and nebbish nerd Elliott (Randy McDowell).

 

 

Lily (Hannah Fierman) is selected to give Jonah his private lap dance and, that is where things get less than professional.  Lily is special.  A stunning seductress with a talent for melody and mind altering moves. Jonah instantly becomes infatuated and works to free the titular SiREN from her captors. 

 

Once loose, Lily’s true powers and identity are unleashed and the genie is out of the bottle. As the boys scramble to run from both Lily and the club’s proprietor, Mr. Nyx (Justin Welborn), they quickly learn that maybe staying at the skanky club would have been a better move.

 

SiREN is one of the most entertaining horror films of 2016. Based on a short by David Bruckner the script is written by Ben Collins,  Luke Piotrowski. The screenplay is replete with sharp humor and clever set ups that entertain and surprise. This is a remarkable feat for a film that has such a cliched and well trod premise of the secluded strip club hiding a secret. Recognition must also be given to director Gregg Bishop who balances the humor, the suspense, and the pacing in such a way that the film never slows, always smart and surprising.

 

Props must also be given to the cast who seems to be having a huge amount of fun playing their roles. While our main protagonists all have their particular moments to shine, they gel and have a chemistry that is easy to believe. Welborn’s Mr. Nyx is a nefarious, man in black who still retains a moral compass. Yet the entire film is anchored by the ferocious performance from Fierman as Lily. Lilting and doe-eyed one moment, ravenous and savage the next, her performance is something that keeps you watching, squinting in anticipation of her next move.