Get Away

Greetings again from the darkness. Every movie review provides the opportunity to walk the line between telling enough, but not too much. Some movies pose more of a challenge than others, and this is one. Director Steffan Haars (the 'New Kids' movies) and writer-actor Nick Frost team up to deliver a devilish and campy folk horror-slasher-comedy that brings a bit of innovation to genre that could use a boost.

Nick Frost stars as Richard Smith, a Dad-Joke-loving goof desperate for a relaxing holiday with his family. He's joined by his wife Susan (the multi-talented Aisling Bea), and their teenagers Sam (Sebastian Croft, "Heartstopper") and Jessie (Maisie Ayers in her first feature film). Their odd choice for the 'get away' is Svalta, a remote Swedish island that sports a dark history with its tragic 19th century plague that nearly wiped out the population. The family has scheduled the trip around the Festival of Karantan (Quarantine) marking the unfortunate events of yesteryear.

Upon their arrival, the locals give them an icy and somewhat threatening reception. Referring to the festival as a "play" doesn't help their cause, and it's only when their creepy Airbnb landlord (Eero Milanoff) shows up to claim them does the tension soften a bit. The house they've rented seems perfect, but soon things feel a bit off. Sam's vegetarian diet and Jessie's spirited approach add an extra dimension, while Richard and Susan play off each other expertly (as we'd expect from Frost and Bea).

This was my second Nick Frost horror movie in less than a month, as this is on the heels of his much less funny turn in BLACK CAB. Of course, he's known for his comedic turn in the Cornetto trilogy, and his screenplay here is quite impressive. The film really plays up the whole "outsiders" feeling unwanted ... just before the magnificent twist that turns the film into an off-the-rails blood bath. Barry Blue singing "I Eat Cannibals" provides a fitting musical ending to this wild ride from Shudder Films.

Opening in theaters on December 6, 2024.

Nick Frost likes a light horror. After just starring in the ghostly "Black Cab" he stars in and wrote extremely silly slasher send-up "Get Away". He & wife Aisling Bea (with teen kids Maisie Ayres & Sebastian Croft) go on holiday to a small, remote Swedish island that's about to go into its annual macabre festival... and does NOT want them there. Though the story has hints of "Midsommer" the style couldn't be more different, and the quality's way off too. Steffen Haars' direction is basic and the performances are mediocre (though Ayres is decent on her big-screen debut, as are Eero Milonoff & Anitta Suikkari as nutty local Swedes). It's moderately entertaining, but sure ain't great.

Pretty entertaining international folk horror that develops into a slasher comedy. Features two of my favourite comedy actors - both Nick Frost and Aisling Bea put in good performances as characters that get more interesting when the killing starts. Feels somewhat rushed at times with having mixed genres and cultures (packing a lot in). It may have been better as a short series where we got to know more about the locals, the dark history of the island and the visiting family. Left some unanswered questions about the history, the traditions and decapitations referred to! Bit scary as a slasher, bit unnerving as a folk horror and sometimes darkly funny.

Okay, so I didn't really have high hopes for this film at first simply by reading the synopsis. The main reason I even picked out the film is because I love Nick Frost. I'm so glad I took a chance on this film as it is just so damn fun and entertaining from beginning to end. To say too much would be giving away the twist that makes the film such a great film. Frost also wrote the film and his sense of humor is all over the film. It's not the type of film you're expecting but the entire cast is so committed that it makes the experience of watching it so much more fun. Of all the Frost films released in '24, this was my favorite!

When this movie ended my overall reaction was "Why did anyone choose to make this movie?" Everything in it is bonkers. Then I watched the three "extras" on the DVD and the writer explained his inspiration, from vacations he took over the years.

The writer is Nick Frost who also is in the lead role as Richard. Aisling ('ashling') Bea plays his wife, Susan. They have along with them a son and a daughter appearing about 20 or maybe a bit older.

There is an annual festival on a small, remote island and they time their trip to witness it. However they find the insular locals very unwelcoming.

To say much more would be to give away important spoilers but suffice to say it is a comedy/horror movie, as things develop we witness lots of blood and gore and dismemberments.

I watched it at home on DVD from my public library. The extras are essential. Would I watch it again, or recommend it to anyone I know? Definitely not unless you are a big Nick Frost fan.