GenreBlast Film Fest is officially upon us. While many are in Winchester, VA enjoying this festival in person, I am covering remotely from the comfort of my couch, comfy blankets, and popcorn. Although, I am all nice and comfy, I am also here to tell you all about queer slasher Hollow Lake, which screened opening night of GenreBlast.
Hollow Lake is written by Troy Escamilla and Zach Shildwachter, and directed by Troy Escamilla. The cast consists of Anthony Dain (Max), Santiago Sky (Baker), Roger Conners (Justin), Elias Alexandro (Cody), and Brandon Perras-Sanchez (Alex).
Max and Baker are newlyweds who just don’t seem to be in their honeymoon phase anymore. Baker is stressed about his job and keeps pushing his husband’s sexual advances away. He also consistently pressures Max to open up their new marriage with a proposal of a threesome. Max, who seems to be against the idea, seeks solace in the hook-up apps. Make it make sense! They decide to take a much needed and relaxing getaway to their remote lake house with Max’s best friend and his boyfriend, Alex. Still pressuring Max into a threesome, Baker finds an opportunity in Cody, the handyman. What starts out as a fun and relaxing getaway turns into a full-blown nightmare when they all realize they are being stalked and picked off one by one.
It’s Not As Hollow As It Seems…
There is a whole lot to unpack in Hollow Lake, so let’s start with the quality in queer representation. Escamilla and Shildwachter have written some of the realest queer characters I have ever seen in horror. Max and Baker, as our two leads, open up a discussion about monogamy in queer relationships, specifically relationships between two men. This is not going to be an opinion piece on that subject, because different strokes for different folks. However, I am looking at how flawed each character is when approaching the matter.
Baker should not be pressuring his husband into inviting someone else into their marriage if he is saying he does not want that. However, if Max does not want that, he should not be making out with men in his car. They need therapy. My standout favorite character is Justin, played by Roger Conners, who delivers such a fun and flamboyant performance. Justin is fabulous, flirty, witty, driven, and flawed just like the rest of them.
Hollow Lake is character-driven first and slashtastic second. This works because you really get to know who all of these characters are and care for them even if you do not like all of them. Once it gets down to business, you are invested. Oh, and once it gets down to business, the practical effects and gore are great for this low-budget film. While there is a lot of good low-budget charm in Hollow Lake, I do have to point out that there were definitely some audio issues that became somewhat distracting.
From real and raw queer characters, to the queer messages about monogamy, to the awesome practical effects and gore, Hollow Lake is the queer representation I want and need more of in slashers.
