The Wickeds (2005)
Directed by John Poague · 2005 · Ron Jeremy, Justin Alvarez, Anna Bridgforth, Kelly Sue Roth, Bradford Sikes
In 2005, director John Poague delivers a low-budget horror film titled The Wickeds, rooted in the slasher and zombie tropes of early 2000s indie cinema. Seven teenagers venture to a decaying, abandoned house once used as a horror movie set—its eerie history drawing them like moths to a flame. Their curiosity turns to terror when two grave robbers, fleeing an army of the living dead, burst into the same property, turning the isolated location into a battleground. The film leans into gritty, atmospheric tension rather than polished effects, with a raw, unpolished aesthetic that echoes the DIY spirit of early digital horror. The cast, including Ron Jeremy, Justin Alvarez, Anna Bridgforth, and Kelly Sue Roth, delivers performances that prioritize urgency over polish, enhancing the film’s visceral, unrefined tone. The Wickeds doesn’t aspire to be a masterpiece; it thrives as a pulse-pounding, no-frills survival horror experience, appealing to fans of gritty, character-driven dread and retro zombie chaos. Its charm lies in its unapologetic simplicity and the claustrophobic dread of a house that’s seen too much horror—both on and off camera.
Why it’s worth watching
The Wickeds (2005) is a cult-tinged gem for fans of authentic, low-budget horror that prioritizes atmosphere over spectacle. With its real-world setting and grounded premise—seven teens, a haunted house, and a sudden invasion of the undead—it captures the raw energy of early 2000s indie horror. Director John Poague’s no-nonsense approach and the film’s 86-minute runtime deliver a tight, relentless experience without filler. Ron Jeremy’s presence adds a layer of genre nostalgia, while the film’s unpolished style enhances its authenticity. For viewers who crave survival horror that feels like a found VHS tape from a forgotten midnight screening, The Wickeds delivers visceral thrills without pretense.
Trivia
- Directed by John Poague in 2005
- Runtime: 86 minutes
- Starring Ron Jeremy, Justin Alvarez, Anna Bridgforth, Kelly Sue Roth, Bradford Sikes, Bryan Donoghue, Matt Cannon, Michael Todd Schneider, Danny Darder, Gabrielle Dennis
- Genre: Horror