Derelicts (2017) is a Thanksgiving-themed movie I recently watched on Tubi. The storyline follows a family with some internal "family dynamic" issues that are about to get a lot worse. Just as they sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, a group of strangers bursts into their home, subjecting them to torture and intense interrogations. Under these disturbing circumstances, secrets and dark deeds begin to unravel.
Directed by Brett Glassberg (ABCs of Death 2 1/2) in his feature debut, the film stars Kelly Dealyn (12 Mighty Orphans), David Lee Hess (Fear the Walking Dead), Lana Dieterich (Teeth), and Les Best (Like Arrows).
The movie has a strong setup with intriguing characters and circumstances. It opens on a hilariously shocking note, with some crass humor that quickly establishes the family dynamics. The villains are menacing and portrayed effectively by the cast, creating a tense atmosphere. However, when it comes to the more violent scenes, including moments meant to be shocking, the film falls short, feeling poorly executed.
Overall, Derelicts had the elements for a worthwhile horror experience, but a lack of budget and creativity with effects kept it from reaching its potential. I'd rate this a 3.5/10 and recommend watching only if you adjust expectations accordingly.
