Hold the Fort Review: Assault on Precinct 13 Meets Cabin in the Woods (Fantasia 2025)

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Experiencing home ownership can be a real nightmare, particularly when interacting with your Homeowners Association. In William Bagley’s film Hold the Fort, premiered last night at the Fantastia International Film Festival, this theme is taken quite literally. This delightful indie horror flick gets straight to the point and leaves no time for the audience to catch their breath before the strange creatures make their appearance. Armed with a quick sense of humor and jokes that are truly unique, Hold the Fort is well on its way to becoming a beloved genre classic, although at times it seems like it was created purely for those amusing moments.

In the movie, newly-minted homeowners Lucas and Jenny (played by Chris Mayers and Haley Leary) find themselves in their new neighborhood. Little do they know, Lucas had kept a secret from them – they’re governed by a Home Owners Association. At first glance, it might seem as though this group will be the source of the trouble in the film. However, that’s only the start of the surprises in store for you in “Hold the Fort“. Instead, Lucas and Jenny attend an annual HOA party where the atmosphere is far from festive – it’s more like a struggle to survive as a portal to Hell near their home begins its yearly opening. The banner inside reads: “Welcome to the Equinox, please don’t die.

In Bagley’s script, the narrative moves swiftly without delving too deeply into the specifics or motivations behind events. Instead, it provides brief explanations to answer questions, though these may not always be clear. This rapid pace appeals to viewers eager for action since the movie clocks in at a concise 74 minutes including credits, ensuring a swift arrival at the anticipated violence. However, this brevity means that an extensive story is compressed into a small time frame. Consequently, events unfold rapidly, and many characters are eliminated in distinctive ways, making their exit from the story memorable.

In “Hold the Fort,” Mayers and Leary are the main characters who dominate much of the movie’s screen time, but they’re supported by other characters that help the film live up to its promise of being entertaining. Hamid-Reza Benjamin Thompson, portrayed as a character with both literal and figurative weaponry, plays a pivotal role in “Hold the Fort.” As the gun-slinging, McScruffy-looking security hired annually by the HOA to guard against whatever emerges from the Hell portal, Thompson brings an edge of excitement to his character. By focusing on elements typically associated with gritty action characters that could become tedious and instead using them as a foundation for humor, he makes this character captivating.

In “Hold the Fort”, it’s Julian Smith who shines as Jerry, the HOA president. Initially, he unintentionally overdoses on muscle relaxers and spends the movie appearing lifeless, like a limp doll. He’s required to bark orders from whatever location his body ends up in or is thrown to. This recurring joke is one of the film’s strongest; despite being stationary, Smith delivers a convincing performance that oozes confidence and physicality.

In a less frightening manner compared to Goosebumps, Hold the Fort doesn’t boast an overwhelming number of monsters, but the ones it does have are just as enjoyable because they’re both fun and familiar. With its plot reminiscent of Assault on Precinct 13 combined with The Cabin in the Woods, the creatures that make an appearance are unforgettable. Witches, werewolves, kung-fu spirits, and other beings populate the film, even if their scenes are brief. However, each one leaves a lasting impression. Bagley’s script and direction ensure these monsters are utilized effectively, offering surprises that fans won’t see coming.

Fans who enjoy Adult Swim’s late-night surprise releases will likely connect with “Hold the Fort“. Despite some limitations due to a lower budget, the film offers an exciting experience that many might be willing to overlook for the charm of independent cinema. Essentially, “Hold the Fort” is all about fun, and it’s particularly appealing to monster enthusiasts. With its unique creatures and irreverent style, it could quickly become a beloved Halloween tradition.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Hold the Fort does not yet have a release date.

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2025-07-18 00:14