While Horror has delivered some standout Slashers recently, like 2023’s Scream VI and 2025’s Heart Eyes, it has been a while since we have seen the perfect blend of horny teens and a Slasher maniac stalking the woods. In Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk’s feature debut as co-writers and co-directors, Hell of a Summer, that classic combo makes a fun return as a Horror Comedy.
There is something uniquely thrilling about the slasher formula—teenagers making reckless, hormone-driven decisions while being hunted in a creepy, isolated location. It is that perfect mix of dark humor and brutal tension that has made films like 1980’s Friday the 13th and 1983’s Sleepaway Camp so iconic. Hell of a Summer brings us back to that chaotic, campy madness—where every bad decision might be your last, and every make-out session could be interrupted by a masked villain with a very sharp knife.
Hitting theaters on April 4, 2025, through Neon, one could argue that Wolfhard and Bryk’s Hell of a Summer is derivative, but that is kind of the point. The film embraces the familiar slasher tropes, paying homage to the classics that came before it while still managing to inject its own unique flavor into the mix. The film feels unmistakably Gen Z in its tone, characters, and overall vibe. For starters, the dialogue is snappy, ironic, and laced with self-awareness—the kind of meta-humor that thrives on TikTok and in group chats. It is Horror for a generation raised on both Scream and memes, where emotional vulnerability coexists with sarcasm, and trauma is processed through humor and shared cultural references.
In the Teen Slashers of the ’80s, death was often treated as punishment for sexual deviance—in contrast, Hell of a Summer offers us a more playful, progressive take. Here, the characters are allowed to be messy, horny, and flawed without being morally condemned for it. The film does not wag its finger at teen behavior; this Slasher is about having fun. It is a Horror Comedy, after all.
The cast of characters gives the film its charm and keeps the audience hooked from start to finish. Fred Hechinger’s (Thelma 2024, Gladiator II 2024) Jason is a standout—a lovable goof who somehow manages to be both endearing and wildly cringe-worthy. He has the kind of character you cannot help but root for, even as he stumbles through awkward interactions and misguided attempts at leadership.
Surrounded by a group of sharply drawn personalities—from Abby Quinn’s (Landline 2017, Knock at the Cabin 2023) grounded and no-nonsense Billy Byrk’s (Ghostbusters: Afterlife 2021, Saturday Night 2024) insecure and paranoid Bobby—Jason anchors the chaos with a clumsy, well-meaning charm that perfectly captures the film’s balance of humor and horror.
While Hell of a Summer boasts a cast of great characters and some genuinely funny moments, the pacing occasionally stumbles, with certain stretches feeling a bit sluggish. The plot, as expected, is fairly thin—primarily serving as a backdrop for the characters’ interactions and the unfolding chaos. The kills, which are typically a standout in a Slasher, feel somewhat rushed, with more focus placed on the aftermath than on delivering the gory thrills fans expect.
Furthermore, for an R-rated film, the Horror elements are surprisingly tame, leaving a bit of a missed opportunity for more shocking or intense moments. Despite these shortcomings, Hell of a Summer still manages to deliver a fun, self-aware take on the genre, but it could have leaned more into its bloody potential.
While Hell of a Summer is an enjoyable experience, it lacks that special spark to make it truly unforgettable. Whether it is a deeper emotional connection with the characters or a more unpredictable, fresh conclusion, something feels missing. Still, it is a great choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted Horror Comedy with a nostalgic vibe. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Hell of a Summer 3 out of 5 stars.
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