Get Away

Pretty entertaining international folk horror that develops into a slasher comedy. Features two of my favourite comedy actors - both Nick Frost and Aisling Bea put in good performances as characters that get more interesting when the killing starts. Feels somewhat rushed at times with having mixed genres and cultures (packing a lot in). It may have been better as a short series where we got to know more about the locals, the dark history of the island and the visiting family. Left some unanswered questions about the history, the traditions and decapitations referred to! Bit scary as a slasher, bit unnerving as a folk horror and sometimes darkly funny.

An English family of 2.4 children arrive on a small Swedish island, to witness and observe the celebration of Karantän, unfortunately a killer is also on the island.

There's something very old school about this movie, it felt as though it could have been made back in 2006, when this style was very popular, so from that point of view it was familiar, but fresh.

It doesn't deserve some of the negative reviews, I can't help but wonder if some of those are based on the first half of the movie, which is very, very slow, but countered by a riotous second half.

The twist was unexpected, and it was fun to see the tables turned.

The performances are good, and there are some hilarious one liners, with Frost daring to make jokes about subjects that have become humour free.

The first half is just too slow for me to class this as a good film, but the conclusion was a hoot. Once again you'll wonder what The Swedes must make of the way Brits like to portray them, only slightly less weird than in Midsommar.

6/10.

Greetings again from the darkness. Every movie review provides the opportunity to walk the line between telling enough, but not too much. Some movies pose more of a challenge than others, and this is one. Director Steffan Haars (the 'New Kids' movies) and writer-actor Nick Frost team up to deliver a devilish and campy folk horror-slasher-comedy that brings a bit of innovation to genre that could use a boost.

Nick Frost stars as Richard Smith, a Dad-Joke-loving goof desperate for a relaxing holiday with his family. He's joined by his wife Susan (the multi-talented Aisling Bea), and their teenagers Sam (Sebastian Croft, "Heartstopper") and Jessie (Maisie Ayers in her first feature film). Their odd choice for the 'get away' is Svalta, a remote Swedish island that sports a dark history with its tragic 19th century plague that nearly wiped out the population. The family has scheduled the trip around the Festival of Karantan (Quarantine) marking the unfortunate events of yesteryear.

Upon their arrival, the locals give them an icy and somewhat threatening reception. Referring to the festival as a "play" doesn't help their cause, and it's only when their creepy Airbnb landlord (Eero Milanoff) shows up to claim them does the tension soften a bit. The house they've rented seems perfect, but soon things feel a bit off. Sam's vegetarian diet and Jessie's spirited approach add an extra dimension, while Richard and Susan play off each other expertly (as we'd expect from Frost and Bea).

This was my second Nick Frost horror movie in less than a month, as this is on the heels of his much less funny turn in BLACK CAB. Of course, he's known for his comedic turn in the Cornetto trilogy, and his screenplay here is quite impressive. The film really plays up the whole "outsiders" feeling unwanted ... just before the magnificent twist that turns the film into an off-the-rails blood bath. Barry Blue singing "I Eat Cannibals" provides a fitting musical ending to this wild ride from Shudder Films.

Opening in theaters on December 6, 2024.

I have recently come across a comedy-horror film entitled *The Get Away*, which is both written and directed by Nick Frost, who also plays a leading role in the production. Prior to viewing, I intentionally refrained from acquiring extensive information about the film, as I prefer to engage with cinematic works without preconceiving story details. This approach proved to be beneficial.

The film showcases a diverse ensemble cast, featuring performers from various national backgrounds, including Irish, British, and Finnish actors. From the outset, I found myself consistently amused throughout the duration of the film. It contains several instances that may lead viewers to contemplate whether laughter is appropriate, given the contextual undertones of certain scenes.

*The Get Away* is rated 18, which is relatively uncommon in contemporary cinema; however, it does not portray explicit nudity or excessive drug use, with references to drug-related themes being only fleeting. The film includes minimal sexual content, consisting of one implied scene, yet it is marked by considerable gore, incorporating significant violence and traditional British profanity. Nevertheless, I contend that these elements do not necessitate an 18 rating, as I have encountered content deemed more graphic in films rated 15.

Had it not been for my extensive exposure to the horror and thriller genres, resulting from my health circumstances, I might have perceived *The Get Away* as a more original contribution to the genre. My recent screenings of *Lowlifes* (2024), which contains substantially less comedic content, alongside *Fresh Meat* (2012), a New Zealand comedy-horror film that remains unwatched on my part, appear to have influenced my assessment of originality. I would advise individuals seeking to avoid spoilers about *The Get Away* to exercise caution when viewing these two films.

In summary, I found *The Get Away* to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience, marked by consistent laughter throughout. Although the narrative may not present an exceptionally unique premise, it did not detract from my overall enjoyment. It is undoubtedly an entertaining film to view collaboratively with friends. Moreover, I appreciated the participation of British actor Sebastian Croft, recognized for his role in *How to Date Billy Walsh* (2024). While that film is tailored towards a teenage audience, I too found it to be enjoyable, particularly given its cast connection to Nick Frost, suggesting a deliberate choice for collaboration in *The Get Away*.

In conclusion, *The Get Away* embodies the comedic-horror ethos characteristic of Nick Frost's oeuvre, delivering a pleasurable viewing experience that ensures both laughter and entertainment.

Okay, so I didn't really have high hopes for this film at first simply by reading the synopsis. The main reason I even picked out the film is because I love Nick Frost. I'm so glad I took a chance on this film as it is just so damn fun and entertaining from beginning to end. To say too much would be giving away the twist that makes the film such a great film. Frost also wrote the film and his sense of humor is all over the film. It's not the type of film you're expecting but the entire cast is so committed that it makes the experience of watching it so much more fun. Of all the Frost films released in '24, this was my favorite!