About the film (courtesy of TriStar Pictures):
After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts – the birthplace of the holiday. Picking off residents one by one, what begins as random revenge killings are soon revealed to be part of a larger, sinister holiday plan. Will the town uncover the killer and survive the holidays…or become guests at his twisted holiday dinner table?
Eli Roth, the master of horror known for his gory and over-the-top films like Hostel (2005) and Cabin Fever (2002), brings his signature blend of scares and humor to the Thanksgiving holiday with Thanksgiving. This slasher film, an expansion of Roth’s faux trailer from the 2007 film Grindhouse, takes a twisted and hilarious look at the story of a mysterious killer who terrorizes the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts during the Thanksgiving break, a year after a brutal mishap at a store opening for a pre-Black Friday sale on Thanksgiving evening.
Thanksgiving turns grieving and recovery into a new nightmare when the masked killer, armed with a John Carver mask and a murderous arsenal, begins to stalk and slaughter them one by one. The kills come fast and frequent as several of the moments from the 2007 faux trailer receive full scene treatments.
Roth delivers a fun and gory slasher that revels in its absurdity and pays homage to classic horror films. The film’s humor is often dark and uncomfortable, but it’s also surprisingly effective, providing a welcome counterbalance to the gruesome scenes of violence. Thanksgiving is a love letter to slasher films of the 1970s and 1980s, paying homage to classics like Halloween, Friday the 13th, and My Bloody Valentine. The film’s practical effects, reminiscent of the era it emulates, add a layer of authenticity and visceralness to the gore.
While the film’s plot may not be groundbreaking, the sheer entertainment value it delivers is undeniable. Roth’s signature blend of horror and humor is in full effect, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while simultaneously eliciting laughter and groans of disgust.
The performances are solid, with the cast, including Patrick Dempsey, Nell Verlaque, Addison Rae, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Milo Manheim, Gina Gershon, Tim Dillon, and Rick Hoffman, all adding to the film’s comedic charm.
Thanksgiving is a slasher film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s a film that’s designed to entertain, and it succeeds in doing so with its blend of scares, humor, and over-the-top gore. The biggest weakness is its script. The story is a bit predictable, and there are no real surprises. However, the film’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and it is an overall enjoyable experience.
Overall, Thanksgiving is a bloody and hilarious holiday slasher that will appeal to fans of the genre who are looking for a fun and entertaining ride. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who can stomach the gore, it’s a wild and enjoyable ride. And clocking in at 107 minutes is definitely a good move based on the actual substance here.
Head out to check this R-rated slasher flick in theaters this weekend. It should make for a fun time with the right crowd and proper head space. Thanksgiving will be served on in theaters starting Friday, November 17th.
