The Third Saturday in October (2022) is an independent horror/slasher film written, produced and directed by Jay Burleson. It's part of a two-part film project called the "Third Saturday in October" series along with The Third Saturday in October Part V (2022) (which I previously reviewed). There's no 2, 3 or 4, as these films are supposed to play out like a lost slasher franchise from the 80's. Like with Part V, The Third Saturday in October was filmed on location in Alabama (Athens/Elkmont area and Mobile). These movies aren't that well known, but I think they're starting to find a cult audience.
The Third Saturday in October (2022) is set in 1979 in the fictional town of Hackleburg, Alabama. It centers around an annual college football game called "The Third Saturday in October" which is a rivalry game between the Alabama Mobile Seahawks and the Tennessee A&M Commonwealth. During this, a psycho killer by the name of Jakkariah Harding, who survived his execution the night before, is at large and murders unsuspecting victims (particularly the group of people who watch the game). Very little is known about Jakkariah Harding (or "Jack Harding" for short), though it's mentioned he was a drifter and may not really be human. He's seen with a messed-up eye and usually uses a pair of pliers as his signature weapon, though he uses a variety of different weapons (like a chainsaw for instance). He also drives a hearse around and appears to have a thing for cats.
We've got a set of different characters. There's the detective Ricky Dean Logan and his girlfriend/partner Vicky Newton. There's the father/daughter duo Barry Hill and Heather Hill. Heather is a 20-something who lives with her dad and works at the local burger joint Bronco Burger. Barry and Heather have a tradition where they watch The Third Saturday in October together and are convinced that if they don't its bad luck. We've also got our supporting characters/victims. There's Denver, a strange girl with a cocaine addiction and wears pajamas everywhere. She also likes to jam out to her favorite songs as she's usually seen dancing. There's also Uncle Deeter and his girlfriend Bobbi Jo, who like to skinny dip. There's Ned (nicknamed "Neddy Teddy") and Pam. Then there's John Paul who appears to be Heather's love interest.
After having just met John Paul, Heather agrees to join him and his group of peculiar friends to watch the football game, breaking her and her dad's tradition. She tells her dad this, and he's at first reluctant, as he's skeptical about his daughter going with a guy she just met, as he could be a serial killer (Ted Bundy to be exact). Soon after though, Barry gives Heather permission. However, during the game, the killer slips into the house that John Paul and the others are hanging out and kills them one by one. Then Heather, Barry, Ricky Dean Logan and Vicky Newton work together to stop the killer. That's about the gist of it really.
I really enjoyed The Third Saturday in October (2022). Like Part V, this is also a brilliant take off on old school low budget slasher movies. It's got a great vintage aesthetic, great cinematography, a chilling atmosphere, a great soundtrack, an interesting storyline and likable characters, and great kills. It's also funny, freaky, intense, well-acted and well directed. It looks about exactly as if it were a slasher flick made in the late 70's/early 80's. However, personally, I liked Part V a bit better.
I do have one nitpick, and that's regarding the character Heather Hill. She's the supposed "final girl" but a rather disappointing one at that. She's kind of a damsel in distress as she relies on her dad to save her. She can't even use a gun, so she gives it to her dad. Like come on. She makes Maggie and PJ from Part V seem tough in comparison. Come to think of it, Heather's dad is kind of all she's got. She has no other "family" that I'm aware of. There's literally not mention of her having a biological mom (It's not that important but I thought I'd point that out).
Other than that, I think The Third Saturday in October (2022) is a very good indie horror flick and quite impressive given its low budget and production value.
I give The Third Saturday in October (2022) a solid 9/10.
So, have you seen The Third Saturday in October (2022)? What did you think? Did you like it? Did you not like it? Did you think it was okay? Let me know in the comments.
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As I post this, The Third Saturday in October (2022) is currently streaming on Tubi, Plex, Fandango at Home, AMC+ and Shudder.
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