Thanksgiving (2023): A Nostalgic Slasher with Cult Potential
A Thanksgiving Horror Film Festival of One PT6
By Buttonface
A Black Friday sale gone wrong triggers a psychopath to embark on a murderous rampage targeting everyone involved in this latest Grindhouse spinoff.
Should I Watch Thanksgiving?
Buttonface says…
Probably. If you’re into Scream-quality whodunits with a bit more comedy, and you don’t mind that coming with a subpar plot, some witty dialogue, and creative gore, then you should definitely watch it.
The movie starts with a classic slasher opening, which I really enjoy. It’s one of those sequences that show the point of view of a character. It’s interesting how something can start as a fresh idea, become the norm, lose its appeal as an overused trope, and eventually return as a beloved nostalgic nod to the past. What’s even more amusing is that every movie fan has their own specific opinion on each stage, shaped not so much by film history itself but by their personal history of when they were exposed to said tropes.
The movie’s dialogue is clever, which can be both distracting and funny, depending on your taste. Personally, I enjoy the fun of characters all speaking in witty exchanges. Unfortunately, in real life, most people’s conversations are far less impressive.
I chose this movie because I’ve been feeling grumpy lately. I’m not entirely sure why, but I suspect it has to do with coming to terms with my own mortality. I wanted something fun, clever, and maybe even inspiring. However, only 10 minutes in, I’m already finding the characters so full of clichés that I’m struggling to find them funny. Maybe a little bit of the Devil’s weed would spice it up?
Okay, the Black Friday “Granny Trampler” is getting interesting.
I realize now that I had some unfair assumptions about Eli Roth. Although I’ve always been a horror fan, I was busy raising my three kids during the time between Roth’s breakout film, Cabin Fever, and today. Yes, raising kids is a gift, blah blah blah, but it doesn’t leave much room for watching horror movies.
So, I left off knowing Roth as an up-and-coming name in horror. Beyond hearing about his rise in the genre, seeing him as the Bear Jew in Inglourious Basterds, and of course seeing Hostel, I lost track of his career. Now that I’ve read more about him, it turns out he has a much more varied filmography than I expected. I think I might need to dive into more of his work.
Okay the Devil’s weed has kicked in and I get it now. We’re all part of one collective organism, man… that and I get the movie and I like it. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a classic “Who’s the killer?” movie like Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, or April Fool’s Day. It’s a well-trodded trope, but one I can enjoy every few years if it comes with the right nostalgic twist. The trope becomes even more actualized with the movie’s creative and memorable kills.
Ultimately, this movie delivers exactly what it promises: a fun horror experience that harks back to the classic days of the genre, when bullies were bullies and nudity was gratuitous. While both elements are only implied here, the film remains enjoyable, funny, and gory. What’s not to like?
More cogitations on 2023’s Thanksgiving:
- Thanksgiving is a Grindhouse spinoff like Machete, Hobo with a Shotgun, and Machete Kills.
- Rob Zombie’s trailer contribution, Werewolf Women of the SS, Edgar Wright’s contribution, Don’t, haven’t been made into movies… yet.
- Both Rodriguez and Tarantino have expressed interest in making a sequel to Grindhouse. Tarantino mentioned that he wants to film an “old-school Kung Fu movie” in Mandarin with subtitles.
- Patrick Dempsey’s first movie role was uncredited, playing Underground Stuff Buyer #2 in The Stuff.
- Gina Gershon’s first venture into horror was the 1991 film Voodoo Dawn, which was based on a novel by John A. Russo, the screenwriter for Night of the Living Dead.
- Supporting actress Addison Rae rose to fame on TikTok, where she amassed over 88 million followers. Thanksgiving marks her first venture into the horror genre.
- The positive reception has led Roth to announce a sequel planned for 2025, with Addison Rae’s character expected to return.
- The star of the film, Nell Verlaque, is relatively unknown, and Thanksgiving is her first dive into the horror genre. She delivers a solid performance.
- John Carver was one of the Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620, helping to establish Plymouth Colony in America. He is known for writing and being the first signer of the Mayflower Compact, and he also served as the first governor of Plymouth Colony.
- I believe I coined the term “Granny Trampler” for sales events where people get trampled to death. If it turns out that I really did create the term, I would like my gravestone to read: “The originator of the Granny Trampler.”
Some Stats and Stuff about Thanksgiving for the Squares
Thanksgiving, directed by Eli Roth and written by Jeff Rendell, is a 2023 American slasher film that combines dark humor with gore. The film originated from a fake trailer Roth created for Grindhouse in 2007, and discussions about a full-length version began in 2010. However, production didn’t start until January 2023. Filming took place in Ontario, Canada, from March to May 2023, with cinematography by Milan Chadima and a score by Brandon Roberts.
The story centers on a masked killer dressed as John Carver, wreaking havoc during the Thanksgiving holiday. The cast includes Patrick Dempsey as Sheriff Eric Newlon, Addison Rae as Gaby, and features Milo Manheim, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Nell Verlaque, and Gina Gershon. The film cleverly nods to classic horror tropes while adding a modern twist.
Thanksgiving premiered in the U.S. on November 17, 2023, under TriStar Pictures. It earned $46.6 million worldwide against a $15 million budget. Although its opening weekend gross of $10.4 million fell below expectations, positive word-of-mouth and re-releases helped maintain interest.
