Thanksgiving (2023) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Thanksgiving (2023) is a slasher horror film directed by Eli Roth, marking his return to the genre with a terrifying yet darkly comedic take on the classic American holiday. Known for his intense, often gory films like Hostel and Cabin Fever, Roth brings his signature style to Thanksgiving, which is based on a fake trailer he originally created for the 2007 film Grindhouse. After years of anticipation, this full-length adaptation of the trailer has finally come to life, offering horror fans a bloody and satirical take on the holiday season.
In this review, we’ll dive into the plot, performances, direction, and more. We’ll also explore where you can stream or rent Thanksgiving online in the U.S.
Plot Summary
The story of Thanksgiving takes place in a quiet town in Massachusetts, where the residents are preparing for the annual Thanksgiving festivities. However, their holiday cheer turns into terror when a masked killer begins a brutal killing spree, targeting townspeople in gruesome and creatively themed ways. The killer, dressed as a pilgrim, uses various Thanksgiving-related tools and methods to dispatch his victims, adding a darkly humorous touch to the horror.
The film follows a group of teenagers who survive the initial wave of killings and band together to uncover the killer’s identity and stop the bloodshed. At the heart of the story is Jessica (Addison Rae), who becomes the central figure in the fight for survival, alongside her friends. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that the killer’s motives are tied to a dark secret from the town’s past, and Thanksgiving dinner will never be the same.
Key Characters and Performances
- Addison Rae as Jessica
Addison Rae, the popular TikTok star turned actress, leads the cast as Jessica, a high school student who is caught in the middle of the chaos. Rae’s performance is surprisingly solid, demonstrating that she has acting chops beyond her social media fame. She brings a relatable vulnerability to the role, while also embracing the film’s campy horror elements with enthusiasm. - Patrick Dempsey as Sheriff Eric Newlin
Patrick Dempsey plays Sheriff Eric Newlin, the town’s law enforcement officer tasked with stopping the killer. His character is a mix of competence and disbelief, as he navigates the increasingly bizarre and violent events unfolding in his usually quiet town. Dempsey’s presence adds a level of gravitas to the film, grounding the more absurd moments with a steady performance. - Rick Hoffman as Mayor Clark Weller
Rick Hoffman portrays the town’s mayor, Clark Weller, who is focused more on keeping the Thanksgiving celebrations alive than addressing the mounting body count. Hoffman’s character serves as the film’s satirical take on political figures who prioritize image over safety, and his performance is suitably over-the-top for the film’s tone.
What to Expect from Thanksgiving
Strengths
- Creative Kills: One of the hallmarks of Thanksgiving is its inventive approach to the slasher genre. Each kill is uniquely themed around Thanksgiving, with the killer using everything from carving knives to turkey basters in disturbingly inventive ways. Fans of gory, over-the-top horror will appreciate the film’s commitment to delivering blood-soaked thrills.
- Dark Humor: Eli Roth infuses the film with a satirical edge, using the traditional Thanksgiving holiday as a backdrop for the carnage. The contrast between the festive, family-oriented holiday and the brutal violence gives the film a darkly comedic tone that elevates it above standard slasher fare.
- Homage to Classic Slashers: Thanksgiving is filled with references to classic horror films, from the masked killer’s pilgrim costume to the small-town setting reminiscent of Halloween or Scream. Roth’s direction feels like a love letter to the slasher genre, while still maintaining its own unique style.
- Suspense and Gore: While the film leans heavily into its comedic elements, it doesn’t skimp on suspense or gore. The tension builds effectively in several key scenes, keeping audiences on edge before delivering the gory payoff. Roth strikes a balance between creating genuine scares and delivering the blood-soaked spectacle that horror fans crave.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: The film’s plot follows a fairly predictable slasher formula, with the usual twists and turns that fans of the genre will likely see coming. While the creative kills and dark humor keep things entertaining, the story itself doesn’t break much new ground.
- Limited Character Development: As with many slasher films, character development takes a back seat to the action. The characters, including Jessica and her friends, are largely archetypal, serving more as fodder for the killer than fully fleshed-out individuals. However, this is a common trope in the genre and may not bother die-hard slasher fans.
- Campy Tone May Not Appeal to All: Thanksgiving leans heavily into its campy, tongue-in-cheek tone, which may not appeal to viewers looking for a more serious horror experience. The film is designed to be over-the-top and self-aware, so those expecting a straight-laced thriller might be disappointed.
Direction and Cinematography
Eli Roth, known for his work on films like Cabin Fever and The Green Inferno, brings his signature style to Thanksgiving. His direction balances gore, humor, and suspense, creating a film that is both entertaining and terrifying. Roth’s ability to combine brutal violence with moments of levity gives Thanksgiving a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other slasher films.
The cinematography, by Rogier Stoffers, captures the contrasting tones of the film well. Brightly lit, festive scenes are juxtaposed with the dark, foreboding moments of terror. The use of shadows and eerie lighting during the kill sequences heightens the tension, while the more colorful, holiday-themed scenes add to the film’s darkly comedic tone.
Where to Watch Thanksgiving Online in the U.S.
Since Thanksgiving was released in theaters in late 2023, it may not yet be widely available on streaming platforms. However, it is expected to make its way to various digital platforms for rental and streaming in the near future.
Streaming Services
- Hulu (Potential Future Release)
- Given that Thanksgiving is a horror film with broad appeal, it may eventually become available on Hulu, which has a growing library of recent horror releases.
- Amazon Prime Video (Rental or Purchase)
- Once it becomes available for streaming, Thanksgiving is likely to be available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon often offers new releases shortly after their theatrical run.
- Peacock (Future Streaming Option)
- As a Universal Pictures release, Thanksgiving may eventually stream on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, after its initial theatrical and rental windows close.
Rental and Purchase Options
Once Thanksgiving is available for digital purchase and rental, you can expect it to appear on these platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
- YouTube Movies
The rental prices for new releases generally range from $5.99 to $6.99, while purchase options may be priced around $19.99 to $24.99.
Physical Media
For fans who prefer physical copies, Thanksgiving will likely be released on Blu-ray and DVD a few months after its theatrical release. These physical editions often include special features such as behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes, making them a valuable addition for horror collectors.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving (2023) is a bloody, darkly humorous slasher that delivers exactly what fans of Eli Roth’s work expect: inventive kills, over-the-top gore, and a wicked sense of humor. While the plot may be predictable, the film’s unique approach to Thanksgiving-themed horror and its homage to classic slasher films make it an entertaining watch for horror enthusiasts.
Whether you’re in it for the creative kills, the dark humor, or the festive slasher fun, Thanksgiving offers a satisfying horror experience that is perfect for genre fans. Keep an eye out for its availability on major streaming and rental platforms as it transitions from theaters to digital release.
If you’re looking to add a fresh, holiday-themed horror film to your watchlist, Thanksgiving is sure to serve up a gruesome, entertaining meal.
