Film Review: NIGHT OF THE TOMMYKNOCKERS (2022)

NIGHT OF THE TOMMYKNOCKERS *** USA 2022 Dir: Michael Su. 87 mins

In the time of bank robberies and gold rushes a gang of outlaws known as ‘The Dirt Gang’ led by Dirk (Richard Grieco) believe they have found their golden ticket to riches by heading to the town of Deer Creek, Nevada. The town is home to a gold mine and a place where many affluent people come to line their pockets with more money.

This is the 1870’s where those who own a gold mine are going to be in big business unless of course the mines go dry or in the case of Deer Creek, Nevada’s mine, creatures known as ‘The Tommyknockers’ don’t take kindly to people taking their gold.

When ‘The Dirt Gang’ come to town they are surprised to find the town deserted, the bank unlocked and the saloon locked up. It is not until night falls they realise why the town appears deserted as the towns folk are hiding out from those who come in the night to hunt and kill.

Strangers to the town, ‘The Dirt Gang’ must now put aside their greedy ways to help keep the town safe through the night but ultimately the promise of a big payday will put the outlaws and all those in town at greater risk.

NIGHT OF THE TOMMYKNOCKERS is a beautifully shot western / horror hybrid that will appeal to a wide audience of cinema. With its mix of stereotypical western type characters (town drunk, sheriff etc), interesting looking creatures and wonderful locations this makes for a fun ride. The casting in this film is sublime with a shout-out to Robert LaSardo as the outlaw Lucky who is more then just that name and is very comedic. Richard Grieco as Dirk seems to be influenced by Clint Eastwood’s ‘The Stranger’ in High Plains Drifter (1973), which is not a bad thing at all. A big applause to Angela Cole as Betsy, the only female in ‘The Dirt Gang’ and Jessica Morris as town photographer Julia Ann Swift, who apparently was a real life person that has the acclaim of being the first woman photographer in the state of California, USA. These two main female characters are both strong women and are portrayed superbly by the actresses. Perhaps in a different life these two characters would have been good friends. Finally, look out for Sheri Davis as Pearl one of the saloon’s whores who oozes sexual charm and Tom Sizemore as lay down the law Marshal Steed.

Michael Su seems to have hit his directing stride with this film and is a Director that will no doubt have a big career in any genre of filmmaking.

Dust yourself off from that long dusty trail, put your money on the table and give NIGHT OF THE TOMMYKNOCKERS a watch. This is a decision you won’t regret.

Review by Peter ‘Witchfinder‘ Hopkins

NIGHT OF THE TOMMYKNOCKERS (2022) is out now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Platforms from Gravitas Ventures.