Product Details

• Actors: Paulo Costanzo, Shea Whigham, Jill Wagner, Charles Baker
• Directors: Toby Wilkins
• Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: April 14, 2009
• Run Time: 82 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (98 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001J4E19C
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,213 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Splinter" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

A young couple retreats to the wilderness for a romantic camping weekend, but the trip quickly spirals into a nightmare when they are carjacked by an escaped convict and his girlfriend. Thrown together by chance, no one can imagine the
terrifying horror that awaits the two couples at a remote and isolated gas station.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 63 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars "Splinter" Is a Taut Indie That May Get Under Your Skin November 4, 2008

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:DVD

Admittedly, my expectations when it comes to modern independent horror are pretty limited. For the most part, films go for cheese and splatter with loads of lame humor. I called these films lazy in a recent review, as they trade genuine suspense for a quick chuckle every time. Making an intentionally bad movie must be much easier than attempting something that genuinely draws the audience in. So when I checked out Toby Wilkins' "Splinter" on a lark, I was pleasantly surprised. "Splinter" is a taut, fast-paced and nasty little thriller that works as solid entertainment.

A jolty, kinetic little creature feature--the tone and pacing of "Splinter" recalls other (perhaps more sophisticated films) with its quick and jagged editing, but it works well here. The creature in question is a spiky parasite that kills its prey and then uses the bodies to maneuver around in a grisly spectacle of attack. It's an interesting and unsettling visual to see the carcasses bent, broken, altered, and taken over. The violence and settings are played for "real," with characters you come to know and respect. That, to me, was the real selling point of "Splinter." It set up character types at the beginning, but through nice performances and an attention to dialogue in the script--these individuals break through as real protagonists that you want to see succeed.

This genuine respect for the characters (and thankfully, they're not just idiots) is what brings the suspense to life. The film is short, brutal, sometimes unexpected and it works brilliantly on its own terms. In a world where independent horror can be painful--I felt that this little film was a nice diversion. I may not remember the film several months down the line, but I enjoyed the nasty ride now. With reasonable expectations, "Splinter" just might surprise you too. KGHarris, 11/08.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars INTERESTING BLOODY HORROR GORE FEST! October 29, 2008

By ! MR. KNOW IT ALL ;-b VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

I was able to check this out as a sneak peak in my own home tonight and I will say 'Splinter' is a pretty solid interesting horror film! The film is a cross breed with touches of The Thing(remake), The Blob and 28 days! Gorehounds will like this film as it pulls no punches when it comes to graphic deaths and dismemberment, but the story will keep old fashioned horror fans interested too!

The film is short and fast paced, but the characters are fairly believable and you care about them....so important to any horror film! The film begins with an attack on a gas station attendant by an unknown "critter" with a lot of spikes(or "Splinters"..if you will)sticking out of it. I don't usually like to tell a whole lot about a film and prefer to let the viewer see things unfold on their own. The best part of the movie is finding out what these critters are or who?! I don't know if you want to spend your money seeing this in the theater as it is only around an hour and 15 minutes long, but I know I will be looking to buy this film when it becomes available on DVD.....when the price in right! ;-b

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A surprisingly delightful film March 21, 2009

By C. Helm

Format:DVD

I seldom expect much from an indie horror movie so I'm not usually disappointed when it turns out to be so bad it's bad. "Splinter" is one of those very rare exceptions: a good story and even better script, good direction, and excellent acting by people I had never heard of. Shea Wigham is the real standout, as the escaped con with some real humanity and courage. You will actually care about these characters, and what this parasite does to its victims is genuinely horrifying. Too bad it's so short, but until the DVD comes out, I'm settling for watching it on the Sci-Fi Channel every time it runs.