Some Blumhouse projects call a large amount of attention to themselves, like their upcoming HALLOWEEN sequel. Other projects are put together with little fanfare, and you're lucky to hear about them at all before they're about to be released. One of these sneak attack projects is a slasher titled THRILLER, which will be making its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival this Sunday, September 23rd.
THRILLER has been flying under the radar, but in anticipation of its premiere a trailer has been released online, with Deadline getting the exclusive first look at it.
Written and directed by Dallas Jackson, the film aims to standout among other slashers with its setting; instead of taking place in the usual small town or suburban locations, the events of this one occur in Compton, California, "where teenagers experience an unforgiving cityscape of racism and violence."
THRILLER stars Mykelti Williamson, RZA, Jason Woods, Jessica Allain, Luke Tennie, Tequan Richmond, Paige Hurd, Chelsea Rendon, Mitchell Edwards, Pepi Sonuga, Maestro Harrell, and Michael Ocampo. The story follows
an introverted young man named Chauncey Page who is sent to juvenile hall after he accidentally kills a young woman who is part of a group of tormentors that play a cruel prank on him.
Years later he is released and is back for revenge — and blood — as Chauncey (Woods) serves up some murderous karma as the group, now in high school, gets ready for Homecoming. Dressed in a hoodie and a menacing glare, he terrorizes them and picks them off one by one.
The trailer and poster for THRILLER can be seen below. It has its unique elements, but the classic slasher this reminds me of the most is the 1980 version of PROM NIGHT.