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What happens when a self-referential slasher comedy can't quite figure out what it wants to be? "Hell of a Summer," the directorial debut from Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, promised to do for summer camp slashers what "Scream" did for the entire genre – but stumbles in its execution despite some genuine bright spots.
This week, we dive into this curious $3 million indie horror comedy that follows Jason, a dedicated 24-year-old camp counselor who returns to Camp Pineway rather than pursuing a responsible legal career. When counselors start getting picked off by a killer in a devil mask, the film attempts to balance humor, horror, and character work with varying degrees of success. While the cinematography impresses throughout – especially considering the challenges of night shooting on a limited budget – the narrative and character development leave much to be desired.
The true revelation of the film is co-director Billy Bryk's performance as Bobby, whose scene-stealing comedic moments provide the film's biggest laughs and most memorable sequences. We break down why his character works so well while others (including Wolfhard's own character) fail to make an impression. From puzzling killer motivations to inconsistent death scenes, we unpack where this promising concept went wrong while celebrating the moments where it actually delivers.
Whether you're a horror fan curious about this new addition to the slasher comedy subgenre or just enjoy our dissections of films that don't quite reach their potential, this episode offers plenty to sink your teeth into. Join us for a thoughtful, funny conversation about "Hell of a Summer" – a film that might not be great, but certainly gave us more to talk about than we expected.

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