Slapface (2022) spoiler free review

It’s more than just a game. From being a short film to be released on the Cinequest Film Festival Slapface arrived officially to Shudder on Thursday, February 3, 2022. This American indie horror film won the Audience Award in the “Feature Thriller, Horror, or Si-Fi” on March 20, 2021 at the festival.

After the death of his mother, Lucas, a loner who lives in a rundown home with his brother Tom, regularly seeks solace in the nearby woods. With his only “friends” being a group of female bullies, he keeps to himself most of the time. But, after a strange encounter with an inhuman monster, Lucas begins to withdraw from others. When the two reach a tentative trust, a bizarre friendship is born, and Lucas is swept up in a series of primal adventures.

Official plot

The film is based on the proof of concept shot film of the same name that was released on 2017. The short is written and directed by Jeremiah Kipp, who also wrote and directed the feature-length adaptation. He was inspired by his love of monster movies and his childhood. The filming took place on Newburgh, New York and Hudson Valley from November 10 to December 3, 2019.

My opinion

A complex horror thriller full of metaphors and hidden meanings. The plot sounds simple but hides a intriguing story with a lot to unfold. Pay close attention to the details, everything happens for a reason.

This is a must watch for anyone who likes horror trillers. Some details from the short film were changed giving a twist to this story that brings awareness about bullying in schools.