A reputation, even for being good at something, can be a two-edged sword. Just ask Sean Donohue. Known as a director and producer of exploitation films like Death-Scort Service, Chaos A.D. and Cannibal Claus, he wanted to try something different. So he directed the psychological thriller The Hart-Break Killer and the found-footage horror Dead Residence. Despite both being good films, nobody was interested. So he directed Naked Cannibal Campers.
The plot is just you would expect from the title. Jen (Jill Whitlow, Night of the Creeps, Thunder Run) is running from the maniac who attacked her boyfriend when she stumbles across a house. Unfortunately for her, the occupants let her in. The next thing we know she’s dead, and they’re naked dining on her. Meet Sukie (‘Sushi’ Xhyvette Holder, Girl Blood Sport), Luna (Sith Jade) and Minerva (Veronica Raine), the titular naked cannibals.
Ranger Ursula (Cayt Feinics, Lycanimator, WrestleMassacre) warns a carload of fishermen to avoid the east side of the lake. Being typically obnoxious bros Dale (Beux Leto, Rough Cut), Rick (Tony D’Arrigo) and Scott (Matt Froonjian) ignore her. Pretty soon their plans are being interrupted by an invitation to dinner.
And that, is about it. The girls use their charms and a bit of black magic on the guys. There’s blood, there’s gore, there’s full-frontal nudity. Lots of nudity. In other words, it delivers what it promises, an updated version of the classic “Adults Only” exploitation films of the 50s and 60s.
If you’re familiar with Donohue’s earlier sleaze films you may find Naked Cannibal Campers a little tame by comparison. It doesn’t have the sheer depravity of those films. Or the equally depraved performances of his usual actors and actresses. It’s still quite enjoyable, but you may want to temper your expectations.
With a running time of just over an hour including the post-credit scene, Naked Cannibal Campers gives viewers what they came for and gets done before it starts to drag. There’s even a side plot involving Dougie the Warlock (Blake Weinreb) and Jen’s resurrected boyfriend (Jason Henne, Crazy Lake, Followers) for more laughs.
Naked Cannibal Campers is currently available as a digital rental or purchase. A Blu-ray release is scheduled for October 6th. You can check the film’s Facebook page or the Gatorblade Films website for more information.