Hell of a Summer (2023) Movie Review: A Gory, Darkly Comedic Slasher Throwback
Introduction
Hell of a Summer (2023) is a horror-comedy slasher film that pays homage to classic 1980s summer camp horror while injecting fresh, self-aware humor. Directed by Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things, IT) and Billy Bryk, the film blends nostalgic slasher tropes with Gen Z sensibilities, delivering a bloody, fun, and sometimes uneven ride.
Quick Facts
- Release Year: 2023
- Genre: Horror/Comedy/Slasher
- Director: Finn Wolfhard, Billy Bryk
- Starring: Fred Hechinger, Abby Quinn, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Set in the late ’90s, Hell of a Summer follows a group of young camp counselors preparing for the final party of the season at a remote summer camp. However, their festivities take a gruesome turn when a masked killer begins picking them off one by one. The film balances horror and comedy, with plenty of meta-references to classic slashers like Friday the 13th and Sleepaway Camp.
What Works?
1. A Fun, Nostalgic Throwback to Classic Slashers
- The film embraces its ’80s/’90s slasher tancapbet roots with practical gore effects, a synth-heavy score, and over-the-top kills.
- Fans of The Final Girls (2015) and Happy Death Day (2017) will appreciate the mix of horror and humor.
2. Strong Performances & Chemistry
- Fred Hechinger (The White Lotus) and Abby Quinn (Little Women) deliver standout performances, balancing terror and wit.
- The ensemble cast has great chemistry, making the camp counselor dynamics feel authentic.
3. Clever Meta-Humor
- The script pokes fun at slasher tropes (the final girl, dumb decisions, gratuitous kills) without feeling too cynical.
- Some hilarious one-liners and absurd deaths keep the tone light despite the carnage.
4. Impressive Directorial Debut for Wolfhard & Bryk
- For a first-time feature, the directors show a strong grasp of tone, blending horror and comedy effectively.
- The cinematography and editing mimic vintage horror while feeling fresh.
What Doesn’t Work?
1. Pacing Issues in the Second Act
- The middle drags slightly as the film balances comedy and horror unevenly.
- Some characters feel underdeveloped before meeting their grisly fates.
2. Predictable Story Beats
- If you’re a slasher fan, you’ll see most twists coming.
- The killer’s reveal isn’t groundbreaking but is executed well enough.
3. Not as Scary as It Could Be
- While gory, the film leans more into comedy than genuine terror.
- Those expecting a truly frightening experience might be disappointed.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
✅ Watch if you love:
- Meta horror-comedies (Scream, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil)
- ’80s/’90s slasher nostalgia
- Finn Wolfhard’s creative ventures
❌ Skip if you prefer:
- Pure horror without comedy
- Deeply original slasher plots
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5) – A fun, bloody, and self-aware slasher that entertains but doesn’t reinvent the genre.
Where to Watch?
- Currently streaming on Shudder and available for rental on Amazon Prime Video & Apple TV.
Final Thoughts:
Hell of a Summer isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s a wildly entertaining love letter to slasher fans. With its mix of gore, laughs, and nostalgia, it’s a perfect pick for a late-night horror movie marathon.
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