The Party

Friends attending an English boarding school plan a four-day spring break party at an isolated, abandoned castle in this claustrophobic thriller by Preston (The Dare). To ensure that no adults can derail their plans—which involve copious amounts of beer and snacks—the teens lie to the school and their parents about the destination. Though the whole class is invited, an oncoming storm waylays many, and only 10 make it to the destination: an ancient castle, complete with a moat, that belongs to the wealthy family of 16-year-old narrator Bessie’s friend—and lead party planner—Allegra. Bessie and Allegra are also joined by Allegra’s twin brother Fergus, her boyfriend Shen, Bessie’s bestie Kashvi, and class heartthrob Hugo. As the storm worsens, the moat overflows, but that’s not enough to put a stop to this once-in-a-lifetime gathering—until the party takes a lethal turn. Rote plotting and characterizations, and a late-game twist make this a familiar addition to the teen slasher genre. Gruesome depictions of bloody murders and attentive descriptions of the remote venue add character and ambiance. The protagonists are racially diverse. Ages 12–up. Agent: Ariella Feiner, United Agents. (Dec.)