the audience applauded

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

"The Locals" is a chilling film that is most effective if you watch it with no expectations or knowledge of its content. As a result, I'll say very little about the plot other than it centres around two young friends, Grant and Paul, who are on holiday to surf. Unfortunately, things don't work out quite as they expected when they meet two young girls, Kelly and Lisa.This atmospheric film has impressive production values for such a low budget movie and it definitely hits the mark. The cast are excellent and the main characters are likable.7 out of 10. An unpredictable and pleasant surprise.

Even though I am a kiwi, I did not appreciate this movie.. or even enjoy it...Yes New Zealanders are good at making low budget movies (and recently not so low budget)but this one just does not hit the spot. Its not scary, its just stupid.It left me thinking, surely that could have been done better, the basic story/idea is good (3 points for that) but the execution is very poor.Patchy acting and continuity, some very odd editing in places, probably due to go having the real shot in the can...Sorry again, we can do better and have, and will do again..

Stop me if you haven't heard this one before. Amiable twentysomething best buds Grant (the engaging John Barker) and Paul (the equally personable Dwayne Cameron) go on a cross country weekend drive down to the beach. The pair decide to take an ill-advised short cut by using an off-the-beaten path dusty dirt road. Naturally they experience car trouble. And of course they run afoul of a sinister bunch of lethal murderous backwoods hicks. So far, so familiar and by-the-numbers predictable. Thankfully, writer/director Greg Page masterfully pulls one doozy of a novel, startling and unexpected supernatural twist on this generic fright film scenario which in turn gives the movie a substantial lift out of your run-of-the-mill formula horror fare. To reveal more would spoil the tasty surprises to be found within this genuinely fresh, crafty and inspired little sleeper. The picture further benefits from the truly likable and well-developed main characters, Bret Nichols' gorgeously lush, polished cinematography, the beautiful, yet lonely, remote and forbidding sylvan scenery, Victoria Kelly's classy, moody score, the lively and enthusiastic acting from a charming and attractive cast, a funky thrashin' rock soundtrack, a steady pace, an eerie and mysterious tone which becomes more creepy and nightmarish as the film progresses, and even a very potent and moving element of striking poignancy. A really fine and impressive debut feature.

"The Locals" is one of the best movies from New Zealand that I have ever seen. A brilliant director and writer: Greg Page, and excellent new actors: Dwayne Cameron and John Barker. It's not like other horror films that I have seen and I've seen loads. The unusual location and the fact that it's playing in the dark is great. All the hide and seek in this film makes you wanna run with the characters. And Peter McCauley is so scary and untouchable. Why are the no more other movie from Greg Page he's funny. The commentary on the DVD is the best ever. Greg Page wants you to make listen him over and over again. First time I saw "The Locals" was a surprise for me and I'm sure for everyone who watched it. I like the idea of a farmer who has captured all inhabitants of the little town and only let them go when his bones left the area. BEST MOVIE EVER!