Thanksgiving (2023) is an American slasher film directed and co-written by Eli Roth, written by Jeff Rendell and Roth, and starring Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, Milo Manheim, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Nell Verlaque, Rick Hoffman and Gina Gershon. It is loosely based on Eli Roth’s fictional trailer for Grindhouse (2007); Thanksgiving marks its third feature film adaptation from one of these trailers.
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Director: Eli Roth
Cast:
- Patrick Dempsey as Sheriff Eric Newlon
- Addison Rae as Gabby
- Milo Manheim as Ryan
- Jalen Thomas Brooks as Bobby
- Nell Verlaque as Jessica
- Rick Hoffman as Thomas Wright
- Gina Gershon as Amanda Collins
- Tomaso Sanelli as Evan
- Gabriel Davenport as Scuba
- Jenna Warren as Yulia
- Karen Cliche as Kathleen
- Jeff Teravainen as Deputy Bret Labelle
- Jordan Poole as Jacob
- Joe Delfin as McCarty
- Ty Olsson as Mitch Collins
- Mika Amonsen as Lonnie
- Shailyn Griffin as Amy
- Tim Dillon as Manny
- Amanda Barker as Lizzie
- Chris Sandiford as Doug
- Derek McGrath as Mayor Cantin
- Lynne Griffin as Grandma
Characters:
- Sheriff Eric Newlon: The sheriff of Plymouth, Massachusetts, who must track down the Thanksgiving killer.
- Gabby: A high school student who is one of the killer’s targets.
- Ryan: Gabby’s boyfriend, who is also one of the killer’s targets.
- Bobby: Gabby’s younger brother, who is also one of the killer’s targets.
- Jessica: A mysterious woman who arrives in Plymouth just before the killings begin.
- Thomas Wright: A wealthy businessman who is suspected of being the killer.
- Amanda Collins: Thomas Wright’s wife.
- Evan: A troubled young man who is also a suspect in the killings.
- Scuba: A local man who is known for his love of Thanksgiving.
- Yulia: A foreign exchange student who is also a target of the killer.
- Kathleen: A widow who is one of the few people who believes that the killer is not acting alone.
Plot
The film takes place in Plymouth, Massachusetts – the birthplace of Thanksgiving. Following an unrest-inspired Black Friday riot that ends tragically, an unknown Thanksgiving-inspired killer begins terrorizing Plymouth by picking off residents one by one and killings seeming at random eventually become part of an elaborate scheme.
Critical Reception
Thanksgiving has received generally favourable reviews from critics. Critics laud its gore, performances and direction, though some find the film too derivative of other slasher movies.
Box Office
Thanksgiving was released to theatres in the US on November 17, 2023, and grossed $15 million at the box office, becoming a moderate success.
Why You Should Watch Thanksgiving (2023)
Thanksgiving (2023) is an entertaining and gory slasher film for fans. With an excellent cast, engaging plot, and some genuinely shocking kills, Thanksgiving (2023) will put you in the Thanksgiving spirit in no time! If you need something to put you in the holiday spirit, look no further!
Here are a few reasons why Thanksgiving (2023) should be watched:
- Eli Roth is well-known for directing horror films that combine suspenseful scares with entertaining humour.
- Patrick Dempsey gives a fantastic performance as the film’s lead.
- Plymouth, Massachusetts, is an ideal setting for this Thanksgiving-themed slasher film.
- This movie will make you shudder in disgust.
- This film offers an engaging plot that will keep audiences guessing until its final scene.
Overall, Thanksgiving (2023) is a high-octane thriller perfect for fans of the genre.
Themes
Thanksgiving (2023) explores various themes, such as the darker aspects of American holidays, consumerism’s dangers and family.
- American Thanksgiving reveals its darker side: Thanksgiving has long been associated with family, friends and food; however, this film explores its darker aspects – violence and greed being among them.
- Consumerism’s perils: The film portrays the potential ramifications of consumerism by examining a Black Friday riot as a symbolic representation of its dangers, showing how consumption can lead to violence and destruction.
- Family Matters: Despite the film’s dark themes, a message of hope can be found here: it demonstrates the significance of family bonds during hard times and shows them as crucial allies during these difficult times.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving (2023) is an enjoyable yet gory slasher film for fans of this genre. The movie examines several themes related to American holidays, such as Thanksgiving – its dark side, consumerist culture and family values – making this an excellent movie to watch this Thanksgiving!
What is the synopsis of Thanksgiving (2023)?
On a seemingly peaceful Thanksgiving weekend in Plymouth, Massachusetts, high school students and their families are terrorized by a masked killer wearing the image of a Thanksgiving turkey – with increasing body counts Sheriff Eric Newlon must act quickly in order to stop this deadly perpetrator before it strikes again.
Is Thanksgiving (2023) a good slasher film?
Thanksgiving (2023) has earned positive reviews from critics, and is often praised for its gore, performances, and direction. Some reviewers however, find its storylines to be too derivative of other slasher films.
Is Thanksgiving (2023) appropriate for all audiences?
Thanksgiving (2023) is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore, as well as some strong language use. Therefore, it may not be suitable for all audiences.