Thanksgiving (2023): Thanksgiving

November 1, 2024

If you're a fan of both horror and the thrill of the holiday season, "Thanksgiving" (2023) is here as a new holiday classic. This movie combines Thanksgiving-themed elements with the unsettling suspense of classic slasher films.I had no expectations going into this, and it was much more fun than I anticipated.

The story revolves around the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, which has been traumatized by a brutal Black Friday riot. A year later, as Thanksgiving approaches, an unknown killer begins a spree of carnage, targeting townspeople in unique, Thanksgiving-themed ways. There are subtle nods to typical Thanksgiving staples, from turkey-based dinner gatherings to motifs of autumn leaves, cranberries, and even pilgrim references. This keeps the holiday front and center while maintaining the fun of a teen slasher.

What makes "Thanksgiving" a holiday-centered horror film is its clever use of Thanksgiving traditions and elements that we associate with the holiday—family meals, fall decor, and harvest-time nostalgia—are turned on their head in chilling ways. This blend of holiday and horror makes "Thanksgiving" a must-watch for fans looking to add a chilling twist to their November lineup.

Holiday rating: 10 turkeys

Available on: Prime video, Apple TV, Netflix