Tis the season to be cheerful, joyful, and running for your life. Eli Roth's Thanksgiving has arrived, and as a horror junkie and self-proclaimed psychopath, I couldn't have been more excited to check this film out for you all. In this article, I will delve into and breakdown the world of Eli Roth's Thanksgiving, exploring its origins, plot, and the impact it may have on the horror genre. So buckle up, horror fans, because this is going to be a wild ride.
The Origins of Eli Roth's Thanksgiving
For those unfamiliar with the origins of Eli Roth's Thanksgiving, it all began with the 2007 feature film Grindhouse, brought to us by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. Grindhouse was a double feature that included several mock trailers, one of which was Eli Roth's 'Thanksgiving'. This short trailer piqued the interest of horror fans, and now, years later, we finally have a full-length version of the film and It stars, TikTok sensation turned actress Addison Rae, "McDreamy" himself Patrick Dempsey, Rick Hoffman and Gina Gershon.
The Plot Unveiled
Thanksgiving takes place in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a nod to the historical significance of the location. The story revolves around the Thanksgiving holiday and the infamous Black Friday shopping frenzy that follows. However, this year, tragedy strikes during the chaos of Black Friday, leading to a riot and unspeakable acts of violence. One year later, a masked killer donning a John Carver mask, a reference to Plymouth's history, returns to seek revenge on those involved in the previous year's riot.
Eli Roth successfully brings back the classic slasher genre with Thanksgiving. The intentionally terrible acting adds to the charm of the film, creating a sense of nostalgia for horror fans. But don't be fooled by the intentionally bad acting, because behind it lies some truly original and shocking death scenes. Roth's ability to surprise and shock the audience is a testament to his mastery of the genre.
The Thrill of the Unknown
While Thanksgiving may seem predictable at times, especially in the age of movies like Scream, it still manages to keep viewers on their toes. As a horror fan, you'll find yourself trying to piece together the puzzle, attempting to identify the killer and their motives. You may get it wrong once or twice, but by the third act, you'll likely have a good idea of who's behind the mask. However, the film's ending still manages to deliver a satisfying conclusion, even if it's not entirely unexpected.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Thanksgiving is a rollercoaster of emotions for horror fans. From laughter to jumpscares, and even moments of genuine fear, this film has it all. The death scenes are so uncomfortable and cringe-worthy that they may leave you squirming in your seat. I personally had to take a breather during one particularly intense scene, only to be met with laughter from the audience behind me. But that's the beauty of Thanksgiving—it's a fun and exhilarating experience for horror enthusiasts.
Now lets talk a little bit about the unlikable moments. As a native of Massachusetts, I couldn't help but notice the exaggerated accents in the film. While some characters' accents are spot-on, others are over-the-top and border on caricature. This is a common trope in movies set in Massachusetts, and while it may be amusing to some, it can be grating for those who don't speak with such exaggerated accents. Nevertheless, it adds a touch of hilarious authenticity to the film's setting.
Thanksgiving clocks in at just an hour and 47 minutes, making it a concise and impactful viewing experience. The film doesn't overstay its welcome, delivering a tight and focused narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. So gather your friends, significant other, or fellow horror enthusiasts, because Thanksgiving is a must-watch for anyone looking for a senseless yet entertaining slasher film.
The Future of Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving hits theaters this November 17th, it's clear that Eli Roth has successfully revived the slasher genre. With its blend of nostalgia, shocking death scenes, and a satisfying plot, Thanksgiving is poised to become a cult classic among horror fans. Its success may even have fans adding Roth to thier top list of holiday-themed horror filmmakers who have already tapped into their potential of turning beloved celebrations into terrifying nightmares.
Roth's Thanksgiving is a love letter to horror fans. It brings back the classic slasher genre with a modern twist, delivering a thrilling and entertaining experience. While the acting may be intentionally terrible, the film's originality and shocking death scenes more than make up for it. Thanksgiving is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts who crave a senseless yet enjoyable slasher film. So grab your popcorn, brace yourself for the scares, and get ready to be thankful for the horror that awaits you.
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