#AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead (2024) – A Slasher Movie with a Sinister Twist
Release Date: August 2, 2024
Director: Marcus Dunstan
Cast: Jade Pettyjohn, Jennifer Ens, Ali Fumiko Whitney, Michaela Russell, Julian Haig, Justin Derickson, Cardi Wong, JoJo Siwa
Writers: Josh Sims, Jessica Sarah Flaum
If you’re a fan of slasher films, then Marcus Dunstan’s All My Friends Are Dead (#AMFAD) might be just the flick you’re looking for. Released in August 2024, the film blends horror with social commentary, giving us a fresh take on the slasher genre. While its roots dig deep into classics like Se7en (1995) and Scream (1996), it also brings a unique modern perspective.
In this review, we’ll dissect the film’s plot, characters, cinematography, and themes. We’ll also compare it to other similar films and provide insights into what makes it stand out in today’s crowded horror market.
Plot Breakdown
The story revolves around a group of college friends who reunite for the infamous Karmapalooza music festival, which was discontinued two decades earlier due to a series of murders. The killings, based on the Seven Deadly Sins, still haunt the event’s legacy. As the group, led by Sarah (Jade Pettyjohn), embarks on their trip, things quickly go awry when their car breaks down. They are forced to stay at an Airbnb, where the nightmare begins. One by one, they are picked off by a masked killer, each death tied to one of the sins: pride, greed, wrath, lust, gluttony, envy, and sloth.
All My Friends Are Dead doesn’t attempt to hide its influences. The murders are reminiscent of David Fincher’s Se7en in their grim and symbolic nature. However, what makes #AMFAD fresh is its self-awareness, with characters even commenting on the unoriginality of the murders—a clever nod to the genre’s often formulaic nature.
Character Analysis
Sarah (Jade Pettyjohn) – Sarah is the quintessential “final girl” and stands out as the only level-headed character in the group. Pettyjohn delivers a standout performance, portraying a nuanced character that you root for from the very beginning. As the outsider of the group, her detachment from the social media-obsessed world of her peers makes her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.
Mona (Jennifer Ens) – Mona, the queen bee of the group, is the stereotypical social influencer. Though initially presented as shallow, her character unfolds to reveal deeper layers, especially in the context of her relationship with the deceased Collette (JoJo Siwa).
Liv (Ali Fumiko Whitney) – Liv represents the sin of envy. Her desire to emulate Mona’s online persona fuels much of the tension in the group, and her demise, while tragic, feels like a natural conclusion to her arc.
Will (Justin Derickson) – Will, the stoner character, surprises audiences with his intelligence and perceptiveness, breaking the mold of what is expected from his archetype in slasher films. His depth adds a refreshing twist to what could have been a predictable character.
Visuals and Cinematography
One of the film’s strongest elements is its visuals. Cinematographer Tom Scott captures the tension perfectly, juxtaposing the film’s vibrant, party-centric atmosphere with the dark, sinister undertones. The use of shadows and dim lighting in the Airbnb scenes adds a palpable sense of dread. Dunstan’s decision to use iPhones in several shots is a clever nod to our modern-day obsession with technology and social media, making the killings feel eerily intimate.
The killer’s mask, designed to reflect the sins, is both horrifying and symbolic, giving the film a unique visual signature. Though there aren’t many jump scares, the suspense builds steadily as the camera lingers just a second too long on still moments, creating a sense of unease.
Themes and Social Commentary
On the surface, All My Friends Are Dead appears to be a standard slasher flick, but it subtly critiques our modern obsession with social media and influencer culture. The characters, constantly glued to their phones, are trapped in a world of likes, shares, and superficiality, which ultimately leads to their downfall.
The Seven Deadly Sins framework adds another layer of commentary. Each death serves as a reflection of the moral failings of the characters, who are all slaves to their own vices. The film doesn’t dive deep into philosophical musings but uses its slasher mechanics to make an effective point about the dangers of vanity and excess.
Comparison to Similar Films
The film’s self-aware nature draws comparisons to other meta-horror films like Scream and Bodies Bodies Bodies. However, where Scream uses humor to deconstruct the genre, #AMFAD uses irony, acknowledging its own predictability while still delivering shocking plot twists. It also shares DNA with Se7en, as both films revolve around the deadly sins as a thematic device.
The film also takes cues from I Know What You Did Last Summer, with its group of friends caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. While #AMFAD doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it skillfully uses these influences to craft a narrative that feels both familiar and fresh.
Direction and Conclusion
Marcus Dunstan, known for his work on The Collector and Saw series, brings his horror expertise to the forefront here. He knows how to play with audience expectations, weaving tension throughout the film and delivering satisfying payoffs. His direction, coupled with solid performances from the cast, elevates the film beyond your typical slasher.
While the film isn’t flawless—there are some inconsistencies in the timeline and occasional pacing issues—it knows exactly what it is and delivers on its promises. Fans of the slasher genre will appreciate the blend of old-school horror with modern-day relevance.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead?
All My Friends Are Dead is a must-watch for fans of the slasher genre. It offers enough originality and modern twists to keep things interesting, and its critique of social media culture adds a layer of depth. Though not revolutionary, it’s an entertaining and visually engaging film that horror fans will enjoy.
Want to catch all the action? Watch the official trailer here. And if you’re looking for more great horror flicks, check out our list of Best Horror Movies or find out where to watch AMFAD.
