Long time friends Jesse and Pat (Richard Hatch and Doug Chapin) have finally made it home after a tour of duty in Vietnam. To celebrate their newfound freedom, the guys decide to go on one last road trip with their girlfriends before they settle down and get married. The trip starts innocently enough, but it soon becomes clear that Pat has a few repressed issues. At first, Jesse just thinks Pat is having a couple of mood swings. Simple things like sudden bursts of laughter and tiredness. But then Pat mentions he doesnt want to be tied down and starts to show his jealously of Jesse’s finance Kathy (Susanne Benton). A jealously that could lead to violence.

Best Friends (1975) is the kind of movie I love to see restored and brought to new audiences. Vinegar Syndrome has slowly become one of my favorite video companies thanks to their tireless efforts to save genre film. Even if some of their choices don’t connect with me, I’m still happy to see hidden gems come back to life. Best Friends is one of these said gems. 

Its one of those great slow burn movies that transforms from a character study into a full blown horror movie. This was the directorial debut of  Noel Nosseck and a first production for many of the crew, including editor Robert Gordon and music composer Rick Cunha. All three of them give this little movie plenty of craftsmanship and grit. Cinematographer Stephen M. Katz (The Blues Brothers, Messiah of Evil) photographs the journey with wonderful detail and beauty. The countryside and beach are stunning with even a few shots that remind me of Ingmar Bergman’s Persona. This is one of the most soulful roadtrips I’ve seen in the movies.

The idea of the roadtrip also transforms into a literal personal journey. The story is a little clunky in parts. It shares some of the pacing issues that would turn up in biker movies where some of the scenes of the open road can become redundant. But the story is wisely centered around the four main characters in the camper. The crew mention it was due to the economy of the production, but thanks to the limited characters we can live and breathe with them. We see how the war has changed the two friends. Jesse wants to settle down, but Pat want to forget his trauma and live more wildly. Maybe to makeup for lose time or possibly to unleash his new found sadism. 

Power games are then started to be acted out with Jesse, who becomes more desprate to keep the peace, Pat, who becomes too possessive of Jesse, and Kathy, who shows Jesse’s new found happiness. Pat’s unhinged love for Jesse drives him to bursts of violence. The most chilling one happens when he corners Kathy near a snake. The idea of possible repressed homosexual love/lust is even explored when Pat makes it clear that he only wants to spend his time with Jess. 

The film is carried by these three powerhouse performances. Richard Hatch gives Jesse a charming attitude. When he is seduced by his inner lust he still comes off as likeable. Susanne Benton’s Kathy is the film’s most interesting and underplayed role. She is continueslessly put in danger but never feels like a helpless victim. Often she adds to the tension by the subtle looks of horror she gives to Hatch as she discovers the unhinged Pat’s true nature. Of course the real scene stealer is Doug Chapin, who based on the IMDB has left acting after this role. His sad attempts at being cool are pretty heartbreaking. Not to ruin the ending, but the last few shots are completely his. 

Best Friends receives a stunning new release from Vingear Syndrome. The 1080p HD transfer comes from the newly scanned and restored 35 mm Original camera negative. It’s a lovely 2K print with almost no print damage. There is some light film grain in some of the night scenes. The focus is sharp and there is no DNR issues. The 2.0 English Mono is also clear with no hiss or pops. There is a few seconds when the volume drops from line to line at the 35 minute mark. English subtitles are included. 

Included as extras are:

• “Making Friends” – an interview with director Noel Nosseck

• “Movies and Travel” – a video conference with cinematographer Stephen M. Katz

• “Educate Yourself” – an interview with editor Robert Gordon

• “A Lifetime of Music” – an interview with composer Rick Cunha

• Reversible cover artwork

While packaged as a light piece of sleaze, Best Friends is a fantastic road movie with some chilling moments of horror. This one is not to be missed. Highly Recommeded.

Director- Noel Nosseck

Cast- Richard Hatch, Doug Chapin, Susanne Benton

Country of Origin- US

Discs- 1

Distributor- Vinegar Syndrome

Reviewer- Tyler Miller