2018 Slasher Film Gets Bloody Good Review From The New York Times

2018 Slasher Renaissance

2018 saw a resurgence of the slasher genre, with several high-profile releases that garnered both critical and commercial success. This resurgence, dubbed by some as the "2018 Slasher Renaissance," marked a renewed interest in the classic tropes of the genre, often with a modern twist.

One of the films that spearheaded this revival was "Halloween" (2018), a direct sequel to the 1978 classic of the same name. Directed by David Gordon Green, the film ignored all previous sequels and picked up forty years after the original, with Jamie Lee Curtis reprising her iconic role as Laurie Strode. "Halloween" (2018) was a massive box office success and received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising its suspenseful atmosphere, brutal kills, and Curtis's performance. The New York Times' review, while acknowledging the film's familiar beats, praised its effectiveness in delivering "pure, primal terror."

Another notable entry in the 2018 slasher resurgence was "Terrifier," a low-budget indie film that gained a cult following for its extreme gore and unsettling villain, Art the Clown. While "Terrifier" did not receive the same mainstream attention as "Halloween," it resonated with horror fans hungry for a more visceral and uncompromising take on the genre.

This resurgence of slasher films in 2018 demonstrated the enduring appeal of the genre, proving that even decades after its heyday, the slasher film could still deliver thrills and chills to audiences. The success of these films paved the way for a continued revival of the genre in subsequent years, with both reboots and original slasher films finding success.

Film	Release Date	NYT Review Summary
Halloween (2018)	October 19, 2018	Generally positive, praising Jamie Lee Curtis's return and the film's suspense, but some critics found it formulaic.

NYT Critics' Darling

The 2018 film "Halloween," directed by David Gordon Green, garnered significant attention from The New York Times. While not universally lauded as a "critics' darling," the film received a generally positive review from Manohla Dargis, a prominent film critic at the publication. Dargis praised the film's suspenseful sequences, its clever callbacks to John Carpenter's 1978 original, and Jamie Lee Curtis's powerful performance as Laurie Strode. However, she also noted some flaws, such as a somewhat predictable plot and an over-reliance on graphic violence.

It's important to clarify that there was no 2018 slasher film with the title "nyt." The New York Times, often abbreviated as NYT, is a renowned newspaper, not a film title.

To find reviews of other 2018 slasher films, you can visit The New York Times' website and search their movie review archive.

Fresh Take on Genre Tropes

The 2018 film Halloween, directed by David Gordon Green, breathed new life into the slasher genre by subverting and reinterpreting classic tropes. Ignoring all sequels after John Carpenter's 1978 original, the film reintroduces Laurie Strode, no longer a fragile victim but a hardened survivor, deeply scarred by her encounter with Michael Myers. This time, she's prepared, her home a fortress, her trauma transformed into steely resolve.

The film plays with audience expectations. The "final girl" trope is flipped, Laurie no longer running in fear but actively seeking confrontation. Michael Myers, the embodiment of pure evil, is made even more terrifying by stripping away any attempt at explanation for his motives. He is a force of nature, unstoppable and unknowable.

Halloween (2018) doesn't shy away from brutality but infuses the violence with purpose. Each kill feels earned, a consequence of Michael's terrifying efficiency and the sins of a town that refuses to acknowledge its dark history. The film sparked debate, some praising its fresh take on the genre, others criticizing its graphic content. Regardless, Halloween (2018) proved that even the most well-worn tropes can be revitalized with a bold vision and a willingness to challenge conventions.

Standout Performances

Jamie Lee Curtis, reprising her iconic role as Laurie Strode, delivers a powerful and nuanced performance. Haunted by the events of that fateful Halloween night, Laurie has transformed into a hardened survivalist, prepared for Michael Myers' return. Curtis embodies both the trauma and the steely resolve of a survivor, creating a captivating and deeply sympathetic character.

On the other side of the mask, James Jude Courtney as Michael Myers is genuinely terrifying. He brings a chilling physicality to the role, moving with a deliberate and predatory grace that is both unsettling and intimidating. Courtney's performance is minimalist yet effective, conveying a sense of pure evil with every step and stare.

The supporting cast also deserves recognition, particularly Judy Greer as Karen, Laurie's estranged daughter. Greer brings a raw emotional depth to the role, capturing the complex mix of fear, resentment, and ultimately, the fierce love of a daughter trying to understand her mother's trauma.

Box Office Success and Legacy

"Halloween" (2018) shattered box office records upon its release, becoming the highest-grossing slasher film with an R-rating at the time. It raked in over $255 million worldwide against a budget of $10 million, proving the enduring appeal of the franchise and the effectiveness of its return to form. Critics and audiences alike praised the film's suspenseful atmosphere, brutal kills, Jamie Lee Curtis's powerful performance, and the clever way it honored the original while forging its own path.

The film's success reignited interest in the slasher genre, leading to a resurgence of both reboots and original slasher films in the years that followed. "Halloween" (2018) reminded audiences of the thrill of a well-crafted slasher, proving that even decades later, Michael Myers remains a terrifying and iconic figure in horror cinema. Its legacy lies in its ability to both capitalize on nostalgia and deliver a genuinely frightening and entertaining experience for a new generation of horror fans.