SLASH/BACK on Shudder is a new sci-fi horror movie set in a location, we don’t often see, and with a young cast. The plot is intriguing as are the characters. It’s not great, but it’s still good. Read our full Slash/Back movie review here!

SLASH/BACK is a new Shudder sci-fi horror movie from Canada. It plays out in the small arctic village of Pangnirtung. A place most teenagers are dreaming of leaving, while others appreciate its history and way of life. In other words, like most teenagers wherever they live; Some are happy, and others can’t wait to leave!

It’s been described as Attack The Block meets The Thing, which isn’t entirely wrong. The effects are of impressive quality and the mix of practical and visual effects works really well. It’s a bit slow at times, but I have to admit I also enjoyed it quite a lot.

Continue reading our Slash/Back movie review below. Find it on Shudder from November 18, 2022.

Don’t mess with the girls from Pang

No matter how much these teenagers dream of leaving Pangnirtung (or just “Pang”), they’re also ready to defend their small town. So, when Maika and her friends discover an alien invasion is underway in their village, they know it’s up to them to save everyone.

Especially since Slash/Back also has an appropriate focus on the issues of living in these forgotten places. Many adults battle addiction and the teenagers all know that they can’t rely on them for help.

Slash/Back (2022) – Review | Shudder Sci-fi Horror

Instead, they make sure the younger kids are safe and then go into battle. With a fierce combination of makeshift weapons, fierce courage, and horror movie knowledge, these aliens will soon realize that you don’t mess with girls from Pang.

You won’t see many familiar faces in Slash/Back, but there are a few. One being Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black, Ready or Not) and another Shaun Benson (ARQ).

The girls are overall very strong in their portrayals. Especially Tasiana Shirley as Maika and Nalajoss Ellsworth as Uki. These two also get the most screen time and quite a lot to work with.

Watch Slash/Back on VOD or on Shudder!

Nyla Innuksuk is the director of Slash/Back and also wrote the screenplay with Ryan Cavan. Moments along the way feel either slow or forced, but it never ruins the overall experience. It plays out like a sci-fi adventure with moments that are definitely pure horror, so do stay alert.

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Having a sci-fi horror movie play out in a location with 24-hour daylight is a bold choice. So is having teenage girls in all the lead roles, but it works perfectly here. Also, I did love that this was set in a different location than what we usually see.

And did not shy away from addressing the problems they battle there as well. Brave as well as working as a scary backdrop for this story; Kids essentially being on their own, even when parents are around, is always scary to me.

SLASH/BACK was released in theaters and On Demand on October 21, 2022, and it will be out on Shudder on November 18, 2022.

Details

Director: Nyla Innuksuk
Writers: Ryan Cavan, Nyla Innuksuk
Stars: Tasiana Shirley, Alexis Vincent-Wolfe, Nalajoss Ellsworth, Chelsea Prusky

Plot

The sleepy village of Pangnirtung wakes up to a typical summer day. No school, no cool boys (well… except one), and 24-hour sunlight. But for Maika and her ragtag friends, the usual summer is suddenly not in the cards when they discover an alien invasion threatening their hometown. These teenagers have been underestimated their whole lives but, using makeshift weapons and their horror movie knowledge, they show the aliens you don’t f*** with the girls from Pang.

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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