The Deaths of Ian Stone

(2007) ***1/2

Ian Stone is a college hockey player, lots of friends, cute girlfriend, thoughts of marriage, etc. But one night after dropping her off, he comes across a dark shadowy figure on the railroad tracks. He sadly dies. Fortunately, he wakes up the next day, living his life as a cubicle drone - think Office Space but without anything funny happening. We soon learn that this is technically a whole different life - same name, but different circumstances all around. Once again, while living this somewhat more mundane life, he comes across a shadowy figure and sadly dies. Ian goes through this cycle a number of times, while the lives he lives grow progressively more depressing. He only maintains scant memories of his previous lives, and he must use them to piece together what's happening and why "The Harvesters" are after him.

Of the "8 Films to die For" 2007 Horrorfest, this was probably the best. The 2006 Horrorfest had a number of excellent films, but the quality went down in '07. Ian Stone is a notable exception. It has a dark, mellow tone to it that really helps convey the confusion and anxiety that the main character is feeling. The special effects of this low-budget, British horror film are muted at first, but payoff at the end when we really start to see who The Harvesters are. The pace can be pedestrian, but you still stick with it as you're waiting for what the surprise/resolution is going to be. Why are the Harvesters constantly killing Ian Stone? If you want to know the answer, it's on dvd, and I think it is on sci-fi a few times this month. Or, if you want the spoiler, just take a close look at the movie poster - it actually sort of ruins the ending just on the one-sheet...