'Stream' Reviews: "an eyeball-gouging, tongue-in-cheek treat for horror fans"

         On October 15, 2024, 'Stream', which is released by Iconic Events, which has received rave reviews from critics, currently holding at 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the film, "As the Keenan's try to bring their family closer together, they unwittingly enter themselves into a game of life or death. With four deranged killers patrolling the halls of their hotel and competing for the most creative kills, the odds are definitely stacked against them." The ensemble cast includes Danielle Harris, Dee Wallace, Jeffrey Combs, David Howard Thornton, and Phuong Kubacki. But what did the critics say?

        Chris Sawin of Bounding Into Comics says, "Stream has a very limited budget, it relishes in a glorified B-movie atmosphere, and the storyline is familar. But it’s also an eyeball-gouging, tongue-in-cheek treat for horror fans. It’s worth checking out if you enjoy Terrifier or the horror film genre"

       Stephanie Malone of Morbidly Beautiful notes, "The gore is plentiful, and the effects look fantastic on a minimal budget, thanks to Leone’s capable craftsmanship.There’s a nasty kill at the midway mark I wasn’t expecting when director and co-writer Michael Leavy telegraphs that he’s eager to subvert expectations and prioritize meanspirited mayhem over all else — much to his credit, as the film is so much better when it leans into its gonzo B-movie schlock."

       Mike McGranaghan of Aisle Seat praises the film, stating, "Alternately gruesome and funny, it’s a nice throwback to some of the bolder 1980s horror films that dared to go “big” with their concepts." Concluding, "Like the last two Terrifier films, Stream is on the long side, running 123 minutes. It could have used a little tightening of the pace, but for the most part, director Michael Leavy keeps the story sufficiently hopping. Nobody is safe here, so characters you don’t expect to die do. And they die in gloriously gruesome ways. Damien Leone did the special effects makeup, and the manner in which the players slay the guests would make Art the Clown proud. A game of Tic Tac Toe, played by carving into a man’s chest, is especially unhinged. Enjoyable performances go a long way toward selling the material, and no one is having more fun here than Jeffrey Combs. The actor obviously understands how to walk the line between comedy and horror. He’s perfectly cast as the game’s overseer, giving Mr. Lockwood a humorous edge without dulling the fact that he’s a sicko. Seeing him sharing the screen with so many other notable names from the genre is a real treat."

Photo by Myke Simon on Unsplash