My quick rating - 6.8/10. Eli Roth delivers a holiday horror treat with this one, a slasher that blends gruesome kills with a seasonal twist. The film opens with a chaotic Black Friday riot that turns deadly, setting the stage for a masked killer to wreak havoc in Plymouth, Massachusetts—the birthplace of the Thanksgiving holiday. What begins as seemingly random revenge killings soon evolves into a sinister plot with deeper, more unsettling roots. The real standout of this movie is the brutality of the kills. Roth doesn’t hold back, delivering creative and shockingly violent deaths that will satisfy any slasher fan. Most of the kills are brought to life with practical effects, enhancing the visceral experience. While there may be a couple of CGI moments, the majority of the gore feels grounded and gritty, adding to the film's raw edge. From the start, the film establishes a relentless pace, and the bloodshed begins early, keeping you on edge throughout. The unpredictability of the plot, combined with the gory set pieces, makes for an entertaining ride. The cast is more of an afterthought and although they all did what is expected for this type of film, I am always happy to see Gina Gershon pop up in horror fare. However, the ending is a bit strange, leaving viewers with an unexpected twist that hints at a possible sequel. While it doesn’t tie everything up neatly, it still leaves the door open for more carnage, which could be a plus or a downside depending on how much you're into open-ended conclusions. In summary, we get a solid holiday-themed slasher that delivers what fans of the genre crave: inventive kills, plenty of blood, and a twisted sense of humor. Roth’s signature style shines through, making this one to add to the holiday horror rotation for those looking for something bloody and festive.
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