Anticipate the loss of a chilling modern slasher film from Netflix's library, promising a future filled with restless nights.
In the world of horror movies, the holiday season often brings chills and thrills. One such film that stands out is the 2023 release of "Thanksgiving," a slasher movie that takes place on Black Friday and is now streaming on Netflix until August 17.
Originally conceived as a fake retro trailer for the 2007 Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez "Grindhouse" project, "Thanksgiving" has evolved into a feature-length film that successfully incorporates elements of the holiday into a suspenseful, gore-filled murder mystery.
The story unfolds in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the site of one of the first American colonies, where a killer dressed as Plymouth founding father John Carver starts taking out people connected to the Black Friday riot. The protagonist, Jessica (Nell Verlaque), is thoughtful and sensitive, admonishing her father for running a Black Friday sale a year after people were maimed and crushed.
"Thanksgiving" is a rare horror movie set on Thanksgiving, and it does not disappoint. The teens in the movie are not portrayed as total idiots, and some are kept likable. The movie includes a group of horny, photogenic teens as targets for the killer, adding a touch of the classic slasher formula.
Patrick Dempsey plays the helpful local sheriff, drawing on associations from his own slasher-movie history. Eli Roth, the director, brings a sense of playfulness to the movie while also creating tense sequences. He incorporates elements from his original "Grindhouse" trailer without them feeling forced or hacky.
For fans of the genre, "Thanksgiving" is considered one of the best slasher movies of the 2020s. It effectively balances humor and suspense throughout the movie, making it a worthy companion to neo-slasher movies like the new "Scream" sequels, "Heart Eyes," "Totally Killer," and "Clown in a Cornfield."
If you're looking for a fresh take on a classic slasher movie, "Thanksgiving" is a must-watch. Don't miss it before it leaves Netflix on August 17.
In addition to "Thanksgiving," there are other notable horror movies set around Thanksgiving or sharing similar themes. For instance, "You’re Next" (2011) is a smart and terrifying home-invasion slasher film, while "Black Friday" (2021) is a horror-comedy set around Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping chaos. "The Priest: Thanksgiving Massacre" (2025) is an undead slasher horror movie set during Thanksgiving featuring a priest as a central figure.
While the majority of traditional Thanksgiving movies tend to be dramas or comedies rather than horror, these films offer a thrilling alternative for those seeking a dose of fear during the holiday season. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a chilling Thanksgiving experience.
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