If you like your thrills laced with a little bit of the red stuff, or just like a movie that goes in directions that you might not expect, see “You’re Next”

I went into Adam Wingard’s “You’re Next” expecting little more than some gore and cheap thrills.  Imagine my surprise to learn that this film was really, really fun, which I found odd because I recall reading that Lionsgate (who also tweaked their opening logo.  Gone is the literal gate and the inner workings of the prior logo, replaced by something more subtle and evocative) was sitting on this film for at least a year or two.

That usually indicates that the studio has no faith in their product.

They needn’t have worried because “You’re Next” is one of the most all-around entertaining films I have seen for quite awhile, bar none and much better than “The Purge,” which some may compare it to.

The film revolves around a gathering of an estranged and very well-to-do family.  The characters aren’t particularly deep, but they have enough quirks and personality to rise above being caricatures, which is a big contributor to why the film is so enjoyable.

Another is Erin (Shami Venson), who’s the girlfriend of Crispian (AJ Bowen), who brings more to the party than is at first apparent.  And speaking of Crispian, he and his brother, Drake (Joe Swanberg) may seem a bit over the top, but if you’re at all familiar with the dynamics between brothers, it plays spot-on.

What’s interesting to me is that – despite two characters appearing very suspicious right off the bat (you’ll immediately know who I am referring to) and having my suspicions confirmed – it actually doesn’t distract from the rest of the film.

Which to me is a sign of strong writing, something horror films aren’t exactly known for.