Thanksgiving takes place in the birthplace of the holiday, Plymouth, Massachusetts. After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious killer with a mask resembling the first Plymouth governor, John Carver, begins terrorizing the town. The killer targets those who were part of the tragedy, including high schoolers, store owners, and customers. As the body count rises, the town must uncover the killer’s identity and survive the holidays—or become guests at his twisted holiday dinner table.
Movie Review: “Thanksgiving” (2023)
Themes:
- Holiday Horror: The film explores the dark side of Thanksgiving, turning a festive occasion into a nightmare. It satirizes consumerism during Black Friday and delves into the irony of violence erupting during a holiday centered around gratitude.
- Revenge and Justice: The killer seeks revenge for past wrongs, and the film raises questions about justice and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.
Character Development:
- Jessica (Nell Verlaque): The store owner’s daughter, Jessica, becomes the central character. She pieces together the killer’s motives and actions, making her a relatable and determined protagonist.
- Other Characters: The film efficiently establishes potential victims, giving us enough to care about them without losing the impact of its opening sequence.
Director’s Style:
Eli Roth returns to his horror roots with “Thanksgiving.” His approach is a masterclass in skillfully-made, low-budget grindhouse terror. While not adhering to “Grindhouse” aesthetics, Roth delivers a classic horror experience. His timing for shock, over-the-top kills, and tension is impressive.
Performances:
- Patrick Dempsey (Sheriff Eric Newlon): Dempsey brings gravitas to the role of the local sheriff investigating the murders.
- Jalen Thomas Brooks (Bobby): As Jessica’s boyfriend, Brooks adds depth to his character, especially considering his baseball dreams were shattered during the Black Friday sale.
- Milo Manheim (Ryan): Ryan’s mysterious behavior keeps us guessing about his involvement.
Technical Aspects:
- Gore and Effects: The film doesn’t shy away from gore, delivering impressive kill scenes. The practical effects enhance the horror.
- Cinematography: The visuals capture the tension and brutality effectively.
- Sound Design: The mix of horror and comedy relies on precise sound cues.
Strengths:
- Nastiness and Satire: “Thanksgiving” embraces its nastiness, reminiscent of ’80s horror films. The satirical take on Black Friday and the holiday season is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Efficient Storytelling: The film efficiently introduces characters and maintains relatability.
Weaknesses:
- Predictability: Some viewers may find the plot predictable, especially if familiar with slasher tropes.
- Lack of Originality: While paying homage to classic horror, “Thanksgiving” doesn’t break new ground.
Overall Impact:
Thanksgiving is a feast for grindhouse fans, combining humor with over-the-top gore. It’s not overly scary but delivers a fun horror experience. Roth’s love for the genre shines through.
Recommendation:
If you enjoy holiday-themed horror and appreciate classic slasher elements, “Thanksgiving” is worth a watch. Just be prepared for a bloody good feast!
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Patrick Dempsey
As Sheriff Eric Newlon -
Nell Verlaque
As Jessica Wright -
Addison Rae
As Gaby -
Ty Olsson
As Mitch Collins -
Gina Gershon
As Amanda Collins -
Lynne Griffin
As Grandma -
Karen Cliche
As Kathleen
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