Let me start by introducing Zibahkhana to you, as you must understand that this is Pakistan's first splatter movie. Pakistan has been producing horror films since the late 60's, yet never capitalized on the formula of the American slasher film which was so popular in the 1980s. It's bizarre, because the influence of American horror cinema is evident in Omar Ali Khan's film within the first few minutes, and it only gets more noticeable as the film progresses.

A group of teenagers lie to their parents to sneak away for the night. After an encounter with zombies of the flesh-eating variety, the group pick up a demented hitchhiker who threatens them with death… And this is only the beginning of their horrific night. I haven't even mentioned the oddly terrifying woman who shows up in a burqa covered in blood, wielding a medieval flail.

First of all, I must mention the less than subtle comparisons to Tobe Hooper's Texas Chainsaw Massacre, as Hell's Ground often feels like a direct remake. There are so many structural similarities, and even the atmosphere is very similar, as Omar Ali Khan's film, which was shot on HDV digital, looks as though it was shot on a very limited budget. This, as was the case with Texas Chainsaw…, helps the atmosphere of the film, however, and makes it that much more enjoyable.

The inclusion of a deranged hitchhiker is also a nod to Hooper's film, and once the hitchhiker is removed from the vehicle, he also leaves a streak of blood on the vehicle, not unlike Edwin Neal's character. There is even a sequence in which a character attempts to go for help, and finds his/herself in a situation that mirrors the original 'Chainsaw' film… and the similarities don't end there. But I no longer feel the need to draw these comparisons…

You see, I am not attempting to draw a line of comparison between the original Texas Chainsaw… and Ali Khan's film. I am, however, trying to suggest that Hell's Ground is more akin to the horror films of previous decades than it is with anything of recent memory, foreign or otherwise. While the film has its fair share of gore, it relies more on atmosphere than anything else, and the atmosphere is ever present and unrelentingly unsettling. Technically, the film is incredibly effective in its simplicity, and is yet another example of what Hollywood is doing wrong. Like the rash of big-budget remakes, and less than original ‘original' films, Hell's Ground certainly isn't innovative in its structure, nor its storytelling, yet the film is effectively scary and fun, and that's precisely what a horror movie should be.

I can and do, wholeheartedly, recommend Hell's Ground to anyone looking to recreate the sensation of watching Hooper's original Massacre… film for the first time. The film is a brilliant example of what makes horror such an involving and entertaining genre. It's utterly brilliant in the most straight-forward way possible.