Graves End

Debut director James Marlowe has his tongue firmly in his cheek with this convoluted but entertaining horror mystery set in a small American town (population 666!), where paroled criminals get a seriously unexpected welcome. Steven Williams stars as the FBI agent who uncovers dark secrets in the eponymous community while investigating a violent felon's disappearance. Despite playing like an extended soap opera episode, the film is surprisingly gruesome, with a generous splash of gore to complement its twisted streak of humour. Corny dialogue and exaggerated performances from the likes of Eric Roberts add to the B-movie-style fun, though the clumsy flashbacks and excessive character details are an unwanted distraction.