The R.I.P. Man (2025) Movie Review: A Gritty British Slasher That Proves Low Budgets Can Still Yield High Tension

The R.I.P. Man is a 2025 British horror-slasher directed by Jamie Langlands and written by Rhys Thompson. Produced by the collaborative efforts of GMP Dread Productions, Double Take Pictures, and JNR Productions, the film is a tight 93-minute exploration of small-town terror. The movie features a dedicated cast including Owen Llewelyn, Maximus Polling, and August Porter, alongside a supporting ensemble of Jasmine Kheen, Bruno Cryan, and Matt Weyland. Following its initial internet release in the United Kingdom in September 2025, the film is set for a wider digital rollout in the United States on January 5, 2026.

The story centers on a quaint, seemingly safe town that is suddenly besieged by a serial killer with a terrifyingly specific calling card. This murderer suffers from a rare and grotesque oral disease, leading to a series of "teeth gimmick" slayings that leave the local authorities baffled. As the body count of young adults rises, a determined detective, DCI Gary Mullen, tries to stop the carnage. However, the heart of the story belongs to Donnie, a vulnerable young man who finds himself forced to confront a dark, forgotten past to put an end to the "Rest in Pain" killings. This film matters because it showcases the vitality of the UK independent horror scene, proving that a strong concept and a terrifying villain can overshadow the limitations of a modest budget.

Story and Screenplay: A Gory Gimmick Wrapped in a Mystery of the Past

The narrative of The R.I.P. Man leans heavily into the tropes of the 90s slasher era but adds a modern, grimy twist through its antagonist’s unique pathology. The screenplay by Rhys Thompson establishes a clear "ticking clock" feel as the murders escalate, focusing on the grizzly nature of the dental-themed deaths. Structurally, the film operates on two tracks: the police procedural side led by DCI Mullen and the more personal, psychological journey of Donnie. When these two tracks converge, the film is at its most engaging.

However, the pacing is where the script experiences some turbulence. There is a secondary subplot intended to flesh out the backstory of the town and the killer that occasionally drags, feeling more like a detour than a necessary bridge to the climax. The rhythm of the film can feel a bit stop-and-start; it hits high peaks during the suspenseful stalking sequences, only to slow down significantly during long dialogue scenes that don't always move the plot forward. Despite these lulls, the originality of the killer’s motive and the "Rest in Pain" theme provide a refreshing change from the masked slashers we have seen a thousand times before. The script is honest about its intentions, prioritizing visceral reactions and a sense of dread over complex philosophical musings.

Acting and Characters: Finding Humanity in an Improbable Nightmare

Owen Llewelyn delivers a transformative performance as the title character, The R.I.P. Man. Playing a slasher villain requires a specific kind of physical presence, and Llewelyn uses his stature and movements to create something truly unsettling. His portrayal is aided by the character’s signature laugh, which manages to be both taunting and pitiable. It is a performance that anchors the film’s horror elements, making the threat feel tangible every time he is on screen.

Opposite the monster, Maximus Polling shines as Donnie. Polling brings a palpable sense of vulnerability to the role, making the audience genuinely root for his survival. His chemistry with the rest of the younger cast, particularly August Porter as Abigail, feels authentic. They successfully portray a group of students caught in a situation that is far beyond their control. The supporting cast, including the university students played by Jasmine Kheen and Bruno Cryan, are competent, though some characters are clearly there to serve as fodder for the killer. Matt Weyland as the DCI brings a much-needed groundedness to the more outlandish horror elements, playing the role with a weary professionalism that fits the grim tone of the story.

Direction and Technical Aspects: High-Value Aesthetics on a Modest Budget

Jamie Langlands demonstrates a keen eye for visual storytelling, making the most of his resources to ensure the film looks much more expensive than its bank statement might suggest. The direction is confident, particularly in how it handles the build-up to the violence. Langlands understands that in horror, what you don’t see is often just as scary as what you do see, using shadows and tight framing to create a sense of claustrophobia even in open spaces.

The cinematography is perhaps the film's greatest technical strength. The dimly lit sequences are shot with great care, avoiding the "too dark to see" pitfall that many indie horror films fall into. Instead, the lighting creates an eerie, high-contrast world where the killer can hide in plain sight. The production design is gritty and effective, particularly when it comes to the makeup and practical effects used for the "teeth" murders. The decision to use practical effects over cheap CGI pays off immensely, giving the violence a heavy, impactful feel. The editing is generally sharp during the action beats, though it could have been tighter during the mid-film exposition scenes to help fix the aforementioned pacing issues.

Trailer The R.I.P. Man (2025)

Music and Atmosphere: The Haunting Sound of a Twisted Laugh

The overall mood of The R.I.P. Man is one of persistent, low-level anxiety. From the opening frames, the film establishes a world where safety is an illusion. This atmosphere is heavily supported by the sound design. The film makes excellent use of ambient noise to heighten tension, making every footstep or creak in the floorboard feel like a potential threat.

The score is a throwback to the suspenseful soundtracks of the 1990s, using synth-heavy melodies and sudden orchestral stabs to punctuate the scares. It doesn't overbear the scenes but rather acts as a rhythmic heartbeat for the film’s tension. However, the most effective "musical" element is actually the killer's laugh. It is integrated into the soundscape in a way that makes it feel like it is echoing through the town itself. This auditory gimmick enhances the experience significantly, ensuring that even when the R.I.P. Man isn't visible, his presence is felt by both the characters and the viewers.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• The villain is a standout creation, with Owen Llewelyn providing a menacing physical performance and a truly creepy laugh.
• Practical effects are used brilliantly to depict the "teeth gimmick" murders, making the horror feel visceral and real.
• The cinematography elevates the film, using lighting and shadow to create a professional, high-tension aesthetic.
• Maximus Polling provides a sympathetic lead performance that gives the audience a reason to care about the outcome.

Weaknesses

• The pacing is uneven, with a secondary subplot that slows down the momentum of the second act.
• Some dialogue-heavy scenes feel like filler and could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter 80-minute runtime.
• The finale, while functional, struggles to match the incredible intensity of the initial build-up.

Final Verdict: A Brave and Bloody Addition to the Indie Slasher Genre

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

The R.I.P. Man is a testament to what can be achieved with a clear vision and a dedicated team. It is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be: a gritty, atmospheric slasher that isn't afraid to get its hands dirty. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel and suffers from some of the narrative bloat common in independent productions, its strengths far outweigh its flaws. The unique hook of the killer’s disease and the high quality of the technical execution make it a memorable entry in a crowded market.

I would highly recommend this film to die-hard slasher fans and those who appreciate the raw energy of independent horror. If you grew up on 90s horror or enjoy films that prioritize practical effects and atmosphere over digital polish, you will find a lot to love here. However, viewers who prefer fast-paced, blockbuster-style action or those who are squeamish about dental-related horror might find the pacing a bit slow and the imagery a bit too unsettling. Ultimately, Jamie Langlands and Rhys Thompson have delivered a solid piece of genre cinema that marks them as creators to watch in the coming years. If you are looking for a new nightmare to inhabit, The R.I.P. Man is well worth the watch.