Character actor Danny Trejo works so much it's tough to keep up with him. As his list of credits creeps up toward 400, I would be very impressed if there's a fan out there who has managed to see every Trejo movie that has been released. I'm behind on my Trejo, but one of the actor's recent projects caught my attention because it's right in my wheelhouse: it's a slasher movie.
Titled MURDER IN THE WOODS (I'm sold already), the film is described as "an all-Latino labor of love". Written by Yelyna De Leon, who drew inspiration from '90s era slashers like SCREAM and I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, it was directed by Luis Iga and has the following simple synopsis:
While on a trip to a cabin in the woods to celebrate their friend’s birthday, six teens find themselves fighting for their lives.
Trejo's co-stars include Jose Julian, Jeanette Samano, Chelsea Rendon, Catherine Toribio, Kade Wise, and Jordan Diambrini.
The goal with this film wasn't only to make a cool slasher movie, but also to give the actors characters to play who aren't just the usual Latino stereotypes often seen in movies and TV shows.
There's no word on a release date for MURDER IN THE WOODS, but it is said to be "coming soon". In the meantime, it has been making the festival rounds, racking up awards and nominations. We'll let you know when distribution details are revealed.