A New Perspective on the Slasher Film?
Making a directorial debut can be challenging, but Hell of a Summer appears to work out well as a first venture for Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk who co-direct, co-write, and co-star in this hybrid horror-comedy. The film attempts to blend traditional summer camp slasher storylines with self-referential wit in an effort to establish an identity within the horror-comedy genre. Nevertheless, does it succeed in fulfilling both the comedic and frightening aspects?
Synopsis
Set during late summer at Camp Pineway, Hell of a Summer centers on 24-year-old counselor Jason Hochberg (Fred Hechinger), who returns for another year hopeful for the typical dose of youthful tomfoolery and reminiscences. Like all slasher films, the camp takes a sinister turn when a masked killer begins to brutally murder the counselors. As counselors slowly turn into suspects and paranoia begins to set in, friendships are challenged, secrets are disclosed, and the story of the killer unfurls in a blend of hilarity, horror, and surprising tenderness.
Direction & Writing
Wolfhard and Bryk distinctly love classic slasher films, adopting the spirit of their favorite films like Friday the 13th and Sleepaway Camp and modernizing them with new wit. The film has an unusual charm to it while also playing with expectations, frequently defying traditions in horror. The writing is filled with sharp yet meta humor, similar to Scream and The Cabin in The Woods. However, the film lacks tonal consistency at times, sometimes appearing overly self-deprecating to create real tension.
Performances & Characters
Fred Hechinger portrays the reluctant, likeable hero well and balances his comedic timing with emotional depth exceptionally. Wolfhard and Bryk equally excel in their parts; they clearly understand comedy and horror. The fresh young members of the supporting cast bring life and interest to the characters rather than making them alien characters from a slasher film and showcase the talent that is often neglected.
Cinematography & Atmosphere
From a visual perspective, the film captures the essence of a summer camp through broad images of forests, lakes, and cabins. The illusions captured by the camera blend uncanny night time sequences effectively with bright sunny day scenes, leaving the audience anxious to know when horror will leap out. There is an element of nostalgia blended with modern polish in the film from the use of lighting and practical effects that make it feel like a true throwback to ’80s horror.
Horror vs. Comedy: Does It Work?
One of the main challenges of the film is the mix of horror and comedy. Although the humor is witty and charming, at times, it relieves too much of the pressure, rendering the film more of a parody than a true horror film. For the audience that prefers strong scares, Hell of a summer may not completely satisfy since it opts for playful satire instead of straight up horror. However, it does offer a lot of entertaining moments and clever spooks for enthusiasts of self-aware horror comedies.
Critical Reception & Finishing Thoughts
The film debuted at TIFF 2023, earning both praise and backlash. Its sharp writing and captivating performances received commendation from some critics, while others argued that it failed to deliver the gripping suspense required for a remarkable slasher. Currently, with a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it appears to be divisive within the community. That said, as a first venture for Wolfhard and Bryk, it is encouraging looking forward to what cinematography work they will produce.
To sum up, Hell of a Summer manages to be an enjoyable experience for horror aficionados who are fans of satire blended with classic slasher trademarks. It does not meet the high expectations that has been set within the horror genre, but rather uses humor, cast and visual techniques to entertain. For those in search of a satirical, witty, and campy self aware horror movie, this film is one to consider.