Hen parties are often something to be feared, even at the best of times. At least, that’s what I assume as an outsider. Regardless, if there’s one thing guaranteed to ruin the weekend, it’s a home invasion.
Poor Tess (Maggie Q) is just trying to buy some beers to see her through the do, when she starts getting harassed by a few mean ‘n’ ugly dudes who apparently spend their entire day hanging around the tiny DIY section that’s next to the beer fridge. Apparently, they take offence at her having served in the military, though in fairness the way she one-ups them, claiming their service wasn’t “real” service, is a little petty.
But that’s nothing compared to the pettiness that’s to follow, as they show up at the house that night, firing arrows all over everything. Maggie Q springs into action! Will she be able to defend her “friends” (she doesn’t particularly like most of them)? Who will survive and what will be left of them?
Writer-director Neil LaBute made his name with the acclaimed, cynical In the Company of Men, and spoiled his good name with the less-than-acclaimed Wicker Man remake, which is probably why he finds himself, more than fifteen years later, relegated to a low-budget, more-or-less run-of-the-mill home invasion thriller. Still, run-of-the-mill isn’t synonymous with “bad”, and his smarter-than-average script and eye for all the ways people can needle each other elevate Fear the Night.