Where to Watch: Slasher (2023)

Slasher (2023) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online

The slasher genre is one that has been beloved by horror fans for decades. With iconic villains like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees leading the charge, slasher films hit their peak in the 1980s. Over the years, the subgenre has evolved, with filmmakers attempting to either pay homage to or deconstruct the well-worn tropes. In 2023, Slasher, a Spanish film directed and written by first-time filmmaker Alberto Armas Díaz, tries to continue this tradition. With a mix of classic slasher themes and some modern elements, Slasher feels both familiar and disappointing.

In this review, we’ll break down what the film gets right, where it falters, and most importantly, how you can watch Slasher online.

What is Slasher (2023) About?

Slasher follows Julio (played by Sergio Alguacil), a teenager living under the shadow of his father, a notorious masked killer who terrorized a rural town. Julio inherits his father’s wooden mask and is expected to continue the gruesome family tradition. Things take a twist when a group of young friends arrives at Julio’s town for a vacation, including Ursula (Fabiola Muñoz), the quintessential “final girl.” The friends are largely unaware of the dangers lurking in the area, despite hearing local legends about the “Red Demon,” a murderous figure that haunts the woods.

Julio is torn between following in his father’s footsteps and embracing a new life, one that might even include love. As Julio wrestles with his dark legacy, the group of friends becomes his targets, unaware that their fate may rest on whether Julio chooses to kill or break free from his past.

A Familiar Plot with Missed Opportunities

The movie starts with promise, setting up Julio as a complex character rather than a straightforward killing machine. The opening scene is chilling, showing Julio as a child witnessing his father’s horrifying acts. His father’s influence looms large, both figuratively and literally, as Julio is groomed to be the next in line to wear the killer’s mask.

However, Slasher quickly loses its way. What starts as a potential exploration of Julio’s internal struggle devolves into a by-the-numbers slasher flick. The film’s plot begins to feel predictable as it leans too heavily on overused slasher tropes. Characters fall into familiar archetypes: Ursula, the final girl, is distant and moody; her boyfriend Lucas (Mario Gallardo) is jealous and unlikable; and the rest of the group includes Mario (Rafa Blanes), a typical nice guy, and two party girls—Shayla (Cristina Bravo) and Lore (Anna Hastings)—whose fates seem sealed from the moment they step on screen.

While the movie seems to want to explore the psyche of a budding killer, this is ultimately sidelined in favor of standard slasher fare. The second act, which revolves around the group partying and getting high, lacks suspense or intrigue. As an audience, we spend too much time with these underdeveloped characters rather than delving deeper into Julio’s struggle.

Where Slasher Falls Short

One of the most significant issues with Slasher is its indecisiveness in tone. The film oscillates between wanting to be a self-aware slasher film and falling into the same clichés it initially seems to mock. When Julio first dons his mask, his mother tells him that killing will make him stronger, quieter, and more menacing—a clear nod to slasher icons like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees. But instead of continuing down this path of slasher deconstruction, the film reverts to being just another slasher movie.

Julio’s development as a killer is uneven. While it’s interesting to see him struggle with his first kill, the film doesn’t commit to exploring his internal conflict. There are flashes of brilliance in the way Julio grapples with his newfound role as a murderer, but the film never fully capitalizes on this potential.

The supporting characters are shallow and lack depth, making it hard for the audience to feel any real tension. This ultimately leads to an anticlimactic third act and a final showdown that feels more obligatory than exciting.

The Saving Grace: Julio’s Character

Despite its flaws, Slasher does manage to create a somewhat compelling villain in Julio. His character arc, while underdeveloped, is the most interesting part of the film. We see a reluctant killer rather than a ruthless one, and his amateur attempts at murder provide some inventive moments of tension. His initial hesitance sets him apart from the typical indestructible slasher villains, but unfortunately, the film doesn’t dive deep enough into this angle.

There’s also an after-credits scene that hints at a possible sequel, raising the question of whether Slasher was meant to set up a franchise. However, given the weaknesses of this first entry, it’s uncertain whether audiences will be clamoring for more.

Where to Watch Slasher (2023) Online

If you’re interested in watching Slasher (2023), there are several streaming options available, particularly in the U.S.

1. Streaming Services:

• Amazon Prime Video: Slasher is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime. This is one of the most accessible platforms where you can stream the movie in high quality.
• Apple TV: The movie can also be rented or bought on Apple TV. It’s available in both SD and HD formats.
• Google Play Movies & YouTube: Another option for viewers in the U.S. is renting or buying Slasher through Google Play Movies or YouTube. You can easily stream the film on various devices.

2. Subscription Services:

• As of now, Slasher is not included in major subscription services like Netflix or Hulu. However, keep an eye out, as smaller horror films sometimes make their way to niche streaming platforms such as Shudder or Tubi, which specialize in horror and indie films.

3. Physical Release:

• If you prefer physical media, check for DVD or Blu-ray releases on platforms like Best Buy or Walmart. These often come with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and director.

Final Thoughts on Slasher (2023)

Slasher (2023) had the potential to breathe new life into the slasher subgenre, but it ultimately falls short. While the character of Julio offers a fresh perspective on the reluctant killer, the film is bogged down by overdone tropes, shallow character development, and an uneven tone. However, if you’re a die-hard fan of the slasher genre, you might find enough to enjoy in this homage to classic horror.