Thanksgiving (2023) Review

In the grand tradition of holiday-themed horror films, Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving brings a generous serving of gore and dark humor to the cinematic table. A twisted homage to Roth’s own fake trailer in 2007’s Grindhouse, this feature-length slasher film is as much a feast for fans of the genre as the ill-fated characters within it.

And the film has been hotly anticipated, particularly by fans of the aforementioned fantastic trailer which you can watch on our YouTube channel here.

Roth, known for his penchant for shock and bloody thrills, dives into the Thanksgiving-themed nightmare with relish. The film’s narrative, though familiar in slasher conventions, takes unexpected turns, keeping audiences engaged in a blood-soaked rollercoaster. Patrick Dempsey, in the role of Sheriff Eric Newlon, leads the cast, navigating a murderous maze of holiday horror.

The film’s prologue, a chaotic Black Friday sale at the RightMart superstore, sets a frenetic tone. Roth masterfully taps into the societal commentary on consumerism and the mayhem of holiday shopping. The riotous scenes play out like a gruesome ballet, and the practical effects by Adrien Morot, an Oscar-winning artist, elevate the gore to an art form.

As the narrative pivots to Thanksgiving 2023, the masked killer, nicknamed “The Carver,” takes center stage. The film cleverly integrates social media into the plot, using it as a tool for terror. The tagging of victims and a deadly Instagram post create an additional layer of suspense, although the film occasionally loses its satirical edge in favor of more conventional slasher elements.

The ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Addison Rae and Milo Manheim, delivers commendable performances. Nell Verlaque stands out as Jessica, a suitable final girl who confronts the ghost of her past in a twisted game of survival. The dynamics between the characters, reminiscent of Wes Craven’s Scream, add a layer of intrigue.

Roth doesn’t shy away from embracing the absurdity of the holiday horror subgenre. The film’s darkly comedic dialogue and low-brow humor blend seamlessly with the carnage, offering moments of genuine entertainment. The soundtrack, featuring The Pharcyde and Sammy Hagar, complements the on-screen mayhem.

Thanksgiving is not without its flaws. The social commentary introduced in the first act regarding consumerism and holiday madness loses its footing in the latter part of the film. The narrative, while engaging, occasionally succumbs to predictability in the slasher genre playbook.

The practical effects, a hallmark of Roth’s style, shine throughout the film. From dismemberments to a trampoline scene that defies expectations, the visual elements are both gruesome and delightful for horror enthusiasts. Roth effectively recreates scenes from the original fake trailer, paying homage to the slasher classics that inspired it.

Despite occasional dips in its satirical edge and a somewhat formulaic narrative, Thanksgiving delivers a satisfying feast of horror and dark humor. Roth’s dedication to the genre is evident, and the film serves as both a love letter and a blood-soaked homage to the slasher classics that have come before.

One big question is – will the fans of the original 2007 trailer be satisfied with this feature-length re-imagining? And the answer is – probably not. Though it does hark back to the tropes of the past, this modern incarnation lacks the grit and downright absurdity of the original idea… And let us be honest, absurd is probably all a feature-length version of the original would be. It’s surprising how much has changed in 16 years!

Thanksgiving ‘carves’ its own niche in the slasher genre, offering a deliciously wicked addition to the holiday horror subgenre. Eli Roth, true to form, invites audiences to a banquet of terror, where the only leftovers are the potential for a sequel.

Movie Rating:

Thanksgiving trailer