Director: Osgood Perkins
Cast: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien
Have I Seen It Before: Never.
Did I like It: I really did. The cynical part of me wants me to think that my tragically reduced diet of new fare this year so far, I just really want to like whatever is coming my way. That might account for review of Captain America: Brave New World (2025) that didn’t just collapse in on itself from unrelenting boredom, but I don’t think that’s the case here.
The film blissfully maintains the balance between a gore fest and a knowing comedy of the here and now. Many were the moments where I was caught between a wince and a laugh. The scene at the Hibachi Restaurant is a particular delight, although from the first scene in the Thrift Store, all to the last appearance of the Cheerleaders, the film is more than content to not let up on the audience. One might blink twice at the growing numb reaction of the characters to the insanity around them, but don’t get too judgmental: You’re probably joining them in that regard.
All this is to say that I now I feel strangely compelled to read the original Stephen King story* from Skeleton Crew, if for no other reason to see if that sensibility comes from the source material or if it is original to Perkins and company. That’s probably the best possible thing can say about any adaptation, that I feel inexorably compelled to seek out the source material.
*Incidentally, the only thing about the film that grates on my nerves isn’t even really about the story at all. Apparently Frank Darabont had the rights or was attached to the project for a number of years, only for it not to come to pass. Now, I ultimately think that a Darabont-led version of this story wouldn’t work (unless he were to tap into the same energy from early in his career that made A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)) as well as this did, but I’m perpetually confused as to why Darabont isn’t allowed to make movies anymore.