Pack your body bags. It's time for camp! 🔪🕶🪵🌲
As a guest at the New York Hell of a Summer premiere courtesy of NEON, I had the unique opportunity to witness Finn Wolfhard and Billy Byrk’s horror/comedy debut—a genre blend that I am all too familiar with as a millennial. As stars, co-directors and writers in the film, their involvement in the project from conception to execution can't be overstated. Beyond Wolfhard's work in Stranger Things, It, and Ghostbusters, it was thrilling to see him stepping into the role of a writer and director, following similar strides like Billy Bryk.
The film itself is a nostalgic homage to those iconic '80s slasher flicks where a masked killer stalks a group of teenagers at a summer camp. The premise revolves around Jason Hochberg (played by Fred Hechinger), a camp counselor who believes his biggest problem is being out of touch with his teenage co-workers. What Jason doesn’t know is that a masked killer is lurking on the campgrounds, picking off victims one by one in brutal fashion. This couldn’t be any better timed with people preparing to ship off to summer camps this Summer.As the lights dimmed and the film began, I was immediately drawn into the campy, fun atmosphere that Hell of a Summer exudes. Watching the film in the same theater as the cast was truly something special. The energy in the room was palpable, with the actors reacting to seeing themselves on screen—especially Finn Wolfhard, who plays Chris, and Billy Bryk, who plays Bobby. It was an immersive experience that added a whole new layer to the viewing.
The humor in the film is sharp, with well-timed jokes that had the audience laughing throughout. But what really stood out to me was the evolution of Billy Bryk's character, Bobby. Initially, I found his quirky, offbeat energy amusing, in a sadistic kind of way like a please axe him first way but as the film progressed, I really began to appreciate the familiarity he brought to the role. By the end, Bobby had grown on me, and I found myself rooting for him, even in the face of the looming slasher chaos.
Hell of a Summer is packed with a talented ensemble cast, including Abby Quinn as Claire, Pardis Saremi as Demi, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Mike, and of course, Fred Hechinger’s portrayal of Jason, which adds a solid layer of tension to the film. The dynamic between the characters, particularly the awkward but endearing moments of the counselors navigating their camp responsibilities while facing an unknown killer, adds a charming complexity to what could have been a more straightforward slasher.
The movie may not be breaking new ground in the horror genre, but it more than makes up for that with its playful spirit, humor, and thrilling suspense. The blend of horror and comedy creates a fun, fast-paced experience that is perfect for fans of the genre who appreciate a little bit of camp and a lot of laughs.
After the premiere, I couldn’t wait to see Hell of a Summer again. The jokes, the characters, and the thrill of the slasher genre combined to create an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Now that the film is officially in theaters, with showtimes already live at AMC theaters across NYC, I’m ready to revisit this slasher comedy and experience it all over again.
If you’re a fan of horror with a comedic twist and appreciate the nostalgic charm of ‘80s slasher films, Hell of a Summer is a must-see. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or returning for another round of laughs and thrills, it’s a film that promises a hell of a good time.
Be sure to check out showtimes and catch Hell of a Summer at your local theater.