Spooky season is almost upon us, and what better way to anticipate it than with a scary movie?
Moviegoers have been delighted by a horror slasher film that some have dubbed the best of the year, with many sharing how excited they are that it’s now available on the Hulu streaming platform.
The 2023 film Hell of a Summer hits streaming services after its US cinematic release this year.
Written and directed by Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things, the film stars Fred Hechinger, Abby Quinn, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Bryk, Wolfhard, Pardis Saremi, Rosebud Baker, and Adam Pally.
The story follows a group of counselors at a summer camp who become targets of a mysterious, devil-masked killer.
Sharing a clip of the movie on Instagram, the official account for Hulu wrote, “Bobby really needs someone to believe his beet theory. Now Streaming: #HellofaSummer.”
In the comments section, one person wrote: “OMG SO HAPPY THIS IS ON HULU.”
Another added, “Movie of the year.” A third commented, “This movie is so hilarious we went twice in cinemas to see it. So happy it’s available for streaming.
The film currently has a 51% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Many critics have hailed the movie that is “full of laughs” and keep them engaged throughout.
One critic wrote, “Hell of a Summer] manages to mine some fresh mirth out of the mayhem while lampooning a format’s classic conceits. It is a wisely cast film, too. “
Another said, “Hell of a Summer is not your average slasher film. It’s a blood-covered bridge between past and present. While filled with the body-dropping activities of your favorite 80s or 90s classics, the laughs are abundant as this is actually a comedy-horror.
“Hell of a Summer” made me laugh and kept me thoroughly engaged. It’s no classic, but it’s still oddly charming and fun, and points to good things ahead for filmmakers Bryk and Wolfhard,” a third reviewer commented.
However, others believe the film concept wasn’t strong enough with one critic sharing, “Finn Wolfhard and Billy Byrk’s horror comedy has it’s moments and there is definite promise for these two as filmmakers, but the film didn’t grasp me like I wanted it to.”
A second person shared a similar sentiment, “Without much effort to subvert genre tropes or provide a satirical edge, this low-budget slasher thriller is more familiar than frightening.
While another commented on the film’s weak suspense, “Hell of a Summer” tries to honor classic slashers but fails with off-screen kills, weak humor, and no suspense. Not even Hechinger’s performance can save it. A failed attempt at nostalgic horror that neither scares nor entertains.”
Hell of a Summer debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2023, where it was awarded second runner-up for the People’s Choice Award in the Midnight Madness section.
In August last year, Neon acquired the rights to distribute the film in the United States. While its original release date was set for April 18, 2025, the film premiered in the U.S. on April 4.
Familiar face Finn Wolfhard took the reins on the project, but it isn’t his first foray into directing.
The Canadian actor, musician, and filmmaker ventured into filmmaking, directing his debut feature, Night Shifts, which aired back in 2020.
However, he is best known to many fans these days for his breakout role as Mike Wheeler in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.
Born on December 23, 2002, in Canada, he became known for being the smart and loyal member of the show’s core group of friends.
As well as acting, Finn is also a talented musician, serving as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band The Aubreys and previously as a member of Culpurnia.
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