Eli Roth’s long-awaited expansion of his infamous mock trailer, “Thanksgiving,” has finally arrived, proving to be a standout amidst today’s horror landscape. Unlike the jump-scare-heavy productions of Blumhouse or the cerebral storytelling of A24’s “elevated horror,” Roth’s film embraces unapologetic nastiness reminiscent of ’80s classics like “Mother’s Day” and “Graduation Day.”
The film, co-written by Jeff Rendell, offers a delightful blend of horror and comedy, kicking off with a frenzied Black Friday sale where consumerist madness turns deadly. Roth captures the chaos as a mob descends upon a department store, treating discounted goods like matters of life and death. Through its brutal depiction of mayhem, “Thanksgiving” satirizes the dark underbelly of consumer culture, showcasing the absurdity and consequences of unchecked consumerism.
While deviating from the aesthetic stylings of “Grindhouse,” the film proudly wears its classic horror influences, presenting a head-chopping whodunit that pays homage to the genre’s roots. With its blend of visceral horror, biting satire, and dark humor, Roth’s film stakes its claim as a modern classic in the tradition of ’80s splatter flicks, offering audiences a wicked treat just in time for the holidays.
Set a year after the initial Black Friday massacre, the story moves to Plymouth, Massachusetts, where a new terror emerges. A killer dons the mask of the town’s first governor, John Carver, targeting those connected to the tragic events of the previous year. Local sheriff Patrick Dempsey leads the investigation, while Jessica, the daughter of the store owner, unravels the mystery through cryptic Instagram notifications and unsettling images from the killer.
Despite a large cast of characters, “Thanksgiving” adeptly establishes each potential victim, balancing humor with genuine tension. Similar to “Scream,” the film infuses its characters with relatability, making their terror palpable. While the killer symbolizes colonialism gone awry, their ruthlessness carries a magnetic charisma akin to iconic horror villains.
While “Thanksgiving” excels in tension and timing, veering into excessive sadism in the final act risks pacing. This raises questions about the enjoyment of a survival game when it feels like the director roots for the killer. Nonetheless, arriving at a time when studio horror seeks fresh avenues, “Thanksgiving” may herald a revival of the slasher genre. Tailor-made for uproarious reactions, especially from audiences familiar with local references, Roth’s film confirms his prowess as a skilled entertainer, extending beyond mere gore.
| Aspects | Summary |
|---|---|
| Blend of Horror and Comedy | “Thanksgiving” expertly mixes horror and comedy, delivering thrills and laughs in equal measure. |
| Impact on Slasher Genre | The film potentially heralds a revival of the slasher flick genre, offering a fresh take amidst supernatural and serious tropes in studio horror. |
| Local References and Audience Connection | Roth connects with audiences through local references like Massachusetts locales and establishments, adding authenticity and delighting hometown crowds. |
| Passion for Filmmaking | “Thanksgiving” reflects Roth’s passion for filmmaking, evident in its relentless energy, meticulous detail, and the sense of it being a passion project. |
| Balance of Satire and Terror | The film navigates a fine line between satire and terror, offering a gripping narrative that comments on societal norms and explores the consequences of unchecked violence. |
| Tension and Timing | Roth crafts tension and timing effectively, with only one genuine jump scare amidst a plethora of over-the-top kills, but risks pacing in the final act due to excessive sadism. |
| Characters’ Relatability | Characters are infused with relatability and lightness, enhancing the audience’s empathy and making their terror more palpable, similar to the approach in “Scream.” |
| Commentary on Consumer Culture and Colonialism | Through its satirical portrayal of consumer culture and the symbolism of the John Carver killer, “Thanksgiving” offers a poignant commentary on societal norms and tradition gone awry. |
| Pivotal Reveal and Clumsy Execution | The film struggles to seamlessly tie its elements together and delivers its pivotal reveal in a somewhat clumsy manner, raising questions about the director’s rooting for the killer. |
| Potential for Audience Reactions and Uproar | “Thanksgiving” is tailor-made for uproarious reactions, especially from audiences familiar with local references, adding to its entertainment value and potential for a cult following. |
| Roth’s Skill as an Entertainer | While debatable as Roth’s magnum opus, “Thanksgiving” confirms his prowess as a skilled entertainer, showcasing his ability to extend beyond mere gore and deliver a compelling cinematic experience. |
