Slotherhouse: A Monster Mash-Up You Won’t Want to Miss

Matthew Goodhue’s upcoming film, Slotherhouse, may seem like just another outrageous horror flick, but don’t let the absurd title fool you. Unlike its disappointing predecessors, Slotherhouse delivers on its insanely wacky premise, pushing the boundaries of post-Sharknado monster mash-ups.

In this film, Goodhue takes the familiar sorority slasher template and adds a murderous sloth to the mix, resulting in a surprisingly thoughtful and entertaining experience. Screenwriter Bradley Fowler not only creates a bonkers storyline of animals gone wild but also develops a compelling collegiate comedy that stands on its own merit. Slotherhouse is a hilarious, absurd, and enjoyable movie that will have you laughing like hyenas.

Starring Lisa Ambalavanar as Emily Young, a senior from Sigma Lambda Theta, Slotherhouse tells the story of her quest for victory in the house president election. Emily adopts a poached sloth from Panama, which becomes a viral sensation as the sorority’s mascot. The film hilariously chronicles Emily’s plan, showcasing the sloth’s integration into sorority life through dodgeball games, poolside lounging, and various Greek activities. As the plot unfolds, Alpha, as the sloth is named, starts taking out sisters, posting pictures of their corpses on social media, and even joyrides in fancy sports cars. It’s all part of the ridiculous, over-the-top charm of Slotherhouse.

While Slotherhouse is primarily a comedy, it also dabbles in horror elements. The balance leans more towards comedy than scares, following the footsteps of shows like Scream Queens and Riverdale, where sorority stereotypes are oblivious to the mysterious disappearances of their sisters. The film satirizes the Hollywoodized version of sorority life, presenting exaggerated characters and scenarios. This refreshing approach allows young women to take the lead in a violent comedy usually dominated by male characters.

In terms of horror, Slotherhouse doesn’t strive to be the scariest or goriest film of the year. It adopts a PG-13 level of horror, similar to movies like M3GAN. Goodhue smartly avoids explicit in-camera violence, opting for creative ways to imply deadly actions without breaking the modest budget. Alpha, the sloth villain, is depicted like an iconic slasher, with lightning strikes illuminating her menacing approach. Although the body count isn’t excessive, Alpha’s presence leaves a lasting impact, combining the playful with the terrifying.

One notable aspect of Slotherhouse is its use of practical effects. The filmmakers prioritize physical puppetry over digital animation, resulting in a more immersive and engaging experience. Puppeteers bring Alpha to life, enabling her to display a range of facial expressions and participate in ferocious attacks. This decision adds an authentic dimension to the interactions between the actors and the creature. Slotherhouse stands out from other low-budget films that rely on subpar digital effects.

Slotherhouse offers more than just mindless entertainment. Mark David’s cinematography captures both the posh atmosphere of Sigma Lambda Theta and the chilling suspense when Alpha prowls the hallways at night. The script also incorporates powerful messages against animal cruelty and the exotic animal trade. Even the end credits feature a song dedicated to Alpha, emphasizing the dangers of seeking validation through social media. Goodhue’s goal isn’t to create a forgettable cult classic or a cheap meme sensation. Instead, he genuinely aims to deliver an amusing experience fueled by puns and humor, and the results are far superior to what one might expect.