Carved (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
With Halloween approaching, horror fans are always on the lookout for a new and entertaining movie to get into the spooky season. For 2024, Hulu has brought us Carved, a horror-comedy that blends chills, gore, and laughs into one unique cinematic experience. Directed by Justin Harding, this movie turns an ordinary pumpkin-carving contest into a bloody battle for survival in a pioneer village. While it may not be the next Halloween or Scream, Carved offers a lighthearted yet gruesome twist on the typical slasher flick. In this review, we’ll dive into the plot, performances, effects, and streaming options for this 2024 Huluween feature.
Plot Overview
Carved (2024) tells the story of a group of teenagers and adults who are trapped in a historical reenactment village during a Halloween celebration. Things take a terrifying turn when a sentient pumpkin, fueled by revenge, begins to wreak havoc on the festival-goers. What makes this storyline unique is the twist—this killer is not a masked human or supernatural entity, but rather a murderous pumpkin driven to avenge its fellow gourds that have been mutilated in a pumpkin-carving contest.
The main characters include Kira, an aspiring playwright, her younger brother Cody, and her soon-to-be Broadway star boyfriend. Alongside them are a group of quirky adults and stoners who get caught up in the chaos. Together, they must face the pumpkin’s wrath in a series of gruesome, yet often comedic, encounters.
Performances
While Carved doesn’t boast an A-list cast, the performances are enjoyable for what they are. Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Kira) and Corey Fogelmanis (Cody) take on the lead roles, providing the emotional heart of the film. Their sibling dynamic helps ground the movie amidst the chaos of killer pumpkins and relentless gore. Chris Elliott (Earl) and DJ Qualls (Bill) deliver the comedic relief, with both actors leaning into the absurdity of their roles. Qualls, in particular, stands out with his deadpan humor and quirky delivery, often stealing scenes in the process.
Though this is very much a B-movie, the cast seems to understand that, embracing the campiness with gusto. It’s clear they’re having fun, which makes the film all the more enjoyable.
Horror and Humor Balance
Carved walks a fine line between horror and comedy. The concept of a sentient, murderous pumpkin is both ridiculous and terrifying, and the film doesn’t shy away from either element. On one hand, there are genuinely grotesque and shocking moments—blood-soaked kills, body parts flying, and spine-chilling sequences involving the killer pumpkin stalking its prey. On the other hand, the movie never takes itself too seriously, peppering the horror with plenty of laughs. From sight gags to witty one-liners, there’s a consistent stream of humor that lightens the mood.
However, for those expecting a terrifying experience, Carved may disappoint. The scares are more absurd than suspenseful, and the movie leans heavily into its horror-comedy label. Fans of gory slasher films and campy B-movies will appreciate the balance, but traditional horror purists may not find it as satisfying.
Visual Effects and Design
Given its modest budget, Carved makes the most out of practical effects, especially when bringing the sentient pumpkin to life. The creature design is creative and visually striking, with the pumpkin’s transformation into a monstrous entity standing out as one of the film’s highlights. The practical effects team deserves praise for creating something both hilarious and horrifying at the same time. Though there are moments of CGI that feel a bit rough around the edges, the film’s reliance on practical effects gives it a nostalgic, classic horror feel.
The setting of the historical reenactment village also adds a unique visual flair, contrasting the old-world charm of a pioneer town with the modern horror that unfolds.
Where to Watch Carved (2024) Online
For those interested in watching Carved (2024), it is available exclusively on Hulu as part of the platform’s annual Huluween celebration. This original streaming option provides subscribers with easy access to the film as part of their existing plan.
In addition to Hulu, viewers in the United States can rent or purchase Carved through popular streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. These platforms offer the movie for rent at a competitive price, typically around $3.99–$5.99, or for purchase if you’d like to add it to your digital library.
Internationally, the availability may vary. Some platforms like Amazon Prime Video offer the film in select regions, while other territories may need to rely on local streaming services or rental options. Be sure to check your preferred streaming platform to see if Carved is available in your area.
Conclusion
Carved (2024) is a goofy, fun horror-comedy that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than what it is—a bloody, absurd romp perfect for a casual Halloween viewing. It’s not going to redefine the horror genre, and it doesn’t aim to. Instead, it delivers a nostalgic B-movie feel with a unique twist, practical effects, and a healthy dose of camp.
If you’re looking for something to watch this Halloween season that mixes humor with gore and doesn’t take itself too seriously, Carved on Hulu might be the perfect pick. Just don’t expect a deep storyline or groundbreaking performances—this is all about the fun.
Ready to dive into the hilarity and horror of Carved? Head over to Hulu now to stream this unique slasher comedy! For those without Hulu, be sure to check out other options like Amazon Prime Video or Google Play Movies to rent or purchase the film. Get ready for a bloody good time this Halloween!
