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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