Pilgrim’s Peril: A Bloody Review of Thanksgiving (2023) with a Dash of Cast Commentary
Thanksgiving Torrent. A time for family, gratitude, and…murderous rampages? That’s the chilling twist Eli Roth throws at us in his latest offering, “Thanksgiving” (or “Bloody Thanksgiving” as some aptly call it). Buckle up, horror fans, because this holiday feast is served with a side of screams.
From Turkey Trot to Terror:
The film throws us into the quaint town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, just as Black Friday descends into chaos. But the riots are merely an appetizer for the main course: a mysterious figure emerges, adorned in pilgrim garb and armed with a deadly appetite for vengeance. As the body count rises, a group of survivors must fight for their lives, uncovering a dark secret buried beneath the town’s Thanksgiving cheer.
Giblets of Greatness:
Roth, the maestro of gore, doesn’t disappoint. The kill scenes are inventive, brutal, and darkly comedic (think exploding cranberry sauce and deadly stuffing). The practical effects are gruesomely delightful, reminding us why Roth reigns supreme in the splatter subgenre. But amidst the carnage, there’s a surprisingly compelling mystery driving the narrative. The film cleverly weaves historical tidbits about the first Thanksgiving with the fictional slasher plot, creating a unique blend of fact and fright.
Cast of Carnage:
- Patrick Dempsey sheds his McDreamy persona to become Sheriff Eric Newlon, the grizzled lawman determined to stop the slasher. He brings his signature charm and gravitas to the role, even when battling a killer with a turkey leg for a weapon.
- Gina Gershon is captivating as Amanda Collins, a wealthy socialite with secrets of her own. She chews scenery with the ferocity of a starved pilgrim, adding a layer of campy fun to the proceedings.
- Addison Rae and Milo Manheim represent the younger generation as Gaby and Ryan, two social media influencers caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Their performances are solid, reminding us that even influencers can scream convincingly.
- The supporting cast, including Rick Hoffman as the suspicious Thomas Wright and Jalen Thomas Brooks as the resourceful Bobby, flesh out the town and add to the overall suspense.
Trailer Embed or Link:
To get a sneak peek into the film’s magic, watch the official trailer.
Visual Content:
Happy thanksgiving images:
Spoiled Sides:
While the film excels in scares and gore, it falters in character development. Some survivors, like Gaby and Ryan, could have benefited from more depth. The pacing can also feel uneven, with some lulls amidst the bloodshed. And while the historical angle is intriguing, it doesn’t always seamlessly integrate with the slasher elements.
Verdict: Devour or Leave as Leftovers?
If you’re a die-hard Roth fan or simply crave a Thanksgiving-themed horror fix, “Thanksgiving” delivers the goods. Just be prepared for a schlocky, over-the-top experience that prioritizes gore over depth. But if you seek nuanced characters and a tightly woven plot, this cinematic turkey might leave you a bit peckish.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Pumpkins (More fun than carving one, but not quite a masterpiece, with a cast that adds its own flavor to the carnage)
So, grab your popcorn (hold the cranberry sauce) and settle in for a wild ride this Thanksgiving. Just remember, this feast comes with a hefty serving of terror, not gratitude, and a cast that’s both delicious and deadly.
You can also watch our other blog on Movie : The Black Phone which is similar to it.