An unhinged director turns “movie magic” into murder in filmmaker Chandler Balli’s latest feature, Method. Taking inspiration from the term “method acting,” this horror-comedy follows a group of amateur actors who are unknowingly cast in a low-budget movie with a literal do-or-die ending. A smart script gives this indie feature a strong baseline, which Balli’s directorial vision further brings to life.

A Genius, or a Madman?

Ahead of filming the third installment of his horror trilogy, Tapeface, director Derek Ryan (Balli) gathers his newly assembled cast together. He explains the unorthodox guidelines they must follow ahead of filming, which include signing five-year contracts, NDAs, and an immersion clause that carries a $1M fine if broken. Needless to say, Derek is running a tight ship on the set of Tapeface 3. His paranoia doesn’t stem from fear that the actors will leak secrets from the set. He knows that’s impossible, because they’ll all be dead.

Tapeface 3 is Derek’s masterpiece, and he will finish the film at any cost. To make his slasher film as realistic as possible, Derek enlists Trevor (Travis Lee Prine), his friend and the film’s titular villain, to literally commit murder. As cast members are picked off one by one, paranoia sets in among the remaining cast. Is their director a genius, or a madman? One thing is for sure, they’ve signed up to star in the role of a lifetime.

A Needle in the Haystack of Low-Budget Horror Films

With an estimated budget of $3,500, Method is a needle in the haystack of low-budget horror films. It’s highly aspirational, as Chandler Balli not only confidently directs but also impressively stars in the film as well. The character of Derek Ryan exhibits a delightfully dangerous dichotomy. On one hand, he is a goofball. His explosive tirades are less intimidating as they are pathetic. Clearly, he is dedicated to his art, but being passionate is very different than being professional. However, his untrustworthiness is apparent from the very beginning; at least I personally would second-guess anyone wearing a Kanye “I Feel Like Pablo” t-shirt. Visually, Method has the look and feel of a traditional horror film, primarily using a handheld camera. The soundtrack curation is stellar, giving chaotic energy to an already tense viewing experience.

Takeaway

With Method, Balli proves he is a standout voice among the new generation of indie horror filmmakers. Just as Derek Ryan dreams of his art being forever immortalized in celluloid, Chandler Balli’s film will live on in the same way.