The Lurker (film)

The Lurker is a 1988 American independent slasher film directed by Eric Freeman, who also stars in the lead role. The film is notable for its extremely low budget, amateur acting, and bizarre, dreamlike qualities, which have earned it a cult following despite its generally negative critical reception.

The plot centers around Joseph, a troubled Vietnam War veteran haunted by traumatic memories and visions. Years after his return from the war, Joseph is terrorized by a masked killer resembling a Santa Claus figure, who murders people in his vicinity with various sharp objects. Joseph struggles to decipher whether the killer is real or a manifestation of his post-traumatic stress.

Throughout the film, the line between reality and Joseph's hallucinations blurs, contributing to the movie's surreal and unsettling atmosphere. The film features graphic violence and gore, typical of the slasher genre, but the execution is often considered amateurish.

The Lurker has gained a reputation as a "so bad it's good" film. Its dedicated fans appreciate its strange atmosphere, unintentional humor, and unique approach to the slasher formula despite its technical shortcomings. The film has been released on VHS and DVD and has been featured in discussions on cult and low-budget horror cinema.