Kevin Thomas of the "Los Angeles Times" deemed the film "an efficient rather than stylish Canadian-made horror picture that mercifully lets you complete its grislier moments in your imagination. Even so, its various jolts should be sufficient to satisfy scare-show fans." "The Atlanta Constitution" reviewed the film favorably, deeming it a "surprisingly good scare film. At least the murderer actually has a motive, for a change. If nothing else, it proves there's still a line between a respectable horror film and gross exploitation." "The News-Press" wrote: "If "Carrie" and "Friday the 13th" weren't enough for you, this will satisfy your appetite for youth, gore and chills." The "Montreal Gazette"s Bruce Bailey praised Curtis's performance but criticized the film's lengthy exposition, noting that "it takes rather long to get down to the business of delivering a few shocks."