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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 8.Jan.25

Get Away
Review by Rich Cline | 3/5

dir Steffen Haars
scr Nick Frost
prd Lee Kim, John Hegeman, Nick Frost, Nick Spicer, Maxime Cottray, Aram Tertzakian
with Nick Frost, Aisling Bea, Sebastian Croft, Maisie Ayres, Ville Virtanen, Eero Milonoff, Anitta Suikkari, Karoliina Blackburn, Jouko Ahola, Verneri Lilja, Tero Jartti, Ilkka Koivula
release US 6.Dec.24,
UK 10.Jan.25
25/UK Sky 1h26

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With a jokey tone, this high-concept horror comedy can't help but amuse the audience as it follows a British family on holiday. Gleefully blood-soaked violence is on-brand for actor-writer Nick Frost, and the up-for-it cast ably matches his nutty persona. Then halfway through, a twist sends the plot flailing out of control, which is fun to watch even if the humour isn't as pointed as it should be.

Travelling to Svalta off the coast of Sweden, Richard and Susan (Frost and Bea) are looking forward to local traditions, commemorating a tragedy two centuries ago, while their teen kids Sam and Jessie (Croft and Ayres) can't be bothered to engage, even when they realise there's no phone signal on the island. The locals bring their own challenges, with leader Klara (Suikkari) warning them off and their B&B host Matts (Milonoff) clearly up to all kinds of strangeness. Then when theatrical violence erupts in the islanders' commemorative play, the blood begins to flow for real.

Goofy and grisly enough to keep fans entertained, the movie never quite taps into deeper ideas that might have made it a cult classic. Everything feels superficial, from the family connections to a local culture that's packed with quirky traditions and un-welcoming islanders. Thankfully, the offhanded tone is engaging, and the bonkers touches keep us chuckling even if we never get very involved in the escalating mayhem.

Appropriately, performances are increasingly silly. The central family is established with the usual dynamic: Frost and Bea find strong chemistry as frazzled parents looking forward to cutting loose away from home, while Croft and Ayres play up the snarky sibling rivalry. The family banter is witty and realistic, even as it spirals into grotesque slapstick. Of the locals, Milonoff adds nuance to his riotously creepy role, even if it's overstated by the filmmakers. Suikkari and Virtanen (as a local detective) also have their moments.

Instead of using the excessive violence to propel the story or add amusing character notes, the movie begins to feel a bit rushed in the final act. Dutch director Steffen Haars plays up the nastiness for laughs, which is a very difficult balancing act. It doesn't always work, especially in some of the more startlingly gruesome moments, but those who enjoy this genre will end up hoping that they can take another holiday with this family in the near future.

themes, language, violence, sexuality 7.Jan.25

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL