Dir. James Gunn (2006)
A small town is taken over by aliens after an asteroid containing an alien parasite crashes to Earth.
It seems like everyone starts their career in horror, but it's usually more from a lack of other options rather than an intentional choice. James Gunn, known far more for directing Guardians of the Galaxy and helping run a good bit of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, began his career in a much different place than he ended up. Inspired by low-budget horror from the 80's, Gunn started his filmmaking journey by working for Troma, working behind the scenes and even writing Tromeo and Juliet. Eventually, he made his way into making his own films, starting with 2006's excellent and super gnarly sci-fi/creature feature Slither. It's a perfect homage to Gunn's cinematic influences, and it's crazy to think the direction his career might have gone if he had stuck with horror exclusively.
After landing on Earth, a slug-like alien enters the body of Grant Grant (Michael Rooker), the richest man in Wheelsy, South Carolina. Grant's wife Starla (Elizabeth Banks) is a schoolteacher, and when the alien begins infecting townspeople like a sentient disease, she joins forces with town sheriff/old flame Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion) to try to stop the spread of the slugs before its too late. As Grant and the alien horde take over more and more of the town, the body horror escalates and the townspeople must band together to prevent the aliens from taking over their town and then the rest of the world.
Rooker aside, most of the cast of this one weren't huge stars when it was released, but it's easy to see why a lot of them became more well known. Fillion is a delight, and Banks is charming and badass at the same time. Rooker, of course, is a stellar villain, but I feel like that goes without saying at this point. The man has bad guy sleaze dripping from every pore, and he's a perfect casting as the disgusting alien host throughout the film. Every member of the cast shines, though, even the ones who aren't as well known, and it's also super fun to see a cameo role from Gunn's wife (now ex) and future The Office star Jenna Fischer.
As easy as it would be to say that the stars are, well, the stars, the real focus of the film is on gross-out and extremely well done body horror. There are tons of squeamish moments in the film, and some incredibly well done creature designs as well. It reminds me a bit of The Faculty in its production design, though this one goes much more for the jugular. It makes sense, given Gunn's history with Troma, because it just feels like an A-list, big budget Troma film in the way that the film progresses and its dedication to the monster effects.
Slither is campy monster movie at its best, and it's honestly hard to believe I hadn't seen the film up until now. This was a first watch for me, and it was an absolute blast. It's a film that will make fans of 80's horror want to stand up and cheer, a movie that is a loving throwback to so many films that came before. It's also full on early-2000's, and while there are some digital effects in the film, the better scenes are prosthetics and gooey practical effects. Gunn learned from some of the masters in the arena, and he is definitely putting his knowledge on display here. This is a great film regardless, but it's especially a fun ride for Spooky Season.
Who this movie is for: Monster movie lovers, Troma fans, Sleazy town councilmen
Bottom line: Slither is gross, super fun, and very well made, a love letter to the 80's horror that director James Gunn grew up with. It's clearly a Troma-inspired film, and it leans heavy into the creature design and disgusting gore effects that Gunn cut his teeth making. The actors are all excellent, the effects are outstanding, and it's just a fun film all the way around. If you, like me, haven't seen this one before, there's no time like the present. You can find out where to watch on the JustWatch banner right below.
