I’ve Been Waiting for You (1998)

(In French, On Cable TV, January 2022) You would think that a horror film about a teenager being possessed by a witch would be sexier, funnier or better than this, but I’ve Been Waiting for You certainly isn’t worth any wait: This made-for-TV film (there goes the sexiness) is inspired by a glum YA novel (there goes the fun) and in execution seems copy-pasted from other YA slashers of the era (there goes the quality). Executed on a modest budget by Christopher Leitch, the film struggles to attain narrative velocity. Indifferent acting doesn’t help, nor does perfunctory production values or straightforward directing. It’s amazing that a premise as rich in possibilities (both high and low) at multi-generational witchery and revenge could lead to an unremarkable slasher. Clearly aimed at an undemanding teen market at a time when they were even less demanding than usual thanks to the Scream-inspired mini-boom, I’ve Been Waiting for You leaves no lasting impression.