[Movie Review] GRIMCUTTY

[Movie Review] GRIMCUTTY
GRIMCUTTY l Hulu
Writer and director John Ross is no stranger to horror. He’s the director of several horror stories, especially short videos, and TV shows. GRIMCUTTY stars Sara Wolfkind, Shannyn Sossamon, Usman Ally, and Callan Farris.

GRIMCUTTY is about Asha, a teen trying to forge her own path in the way of…an ASMR channel. But her parents just don’t get it — she should have stayed on track and been super impressive like her talented musician younger brother. Obviously, she’s depressed and into whatever teens are into these days that are no good. Like whispering into microphones and reading calming meditations for a YouTube channel. The nerve!

Enter GRIMCUTTY, every parent’s worst nightmare — a fad they don’t understand. GRIMCUTTY is a challenge, or an app, or something, that basically causes kids to harm themselves and others. How? Why? When? Who knows. It just…does. And it is #SeriousBusiness.

However, with the rise of this parental paranoia comes a menacing creature stalking Asha and her friends. Now the consequences are all too real and Asha must find out the truth about GRIMCUTTY before it’s too late.

GRIMCUTTY has two major failings — the heavy reliance on CGI and its marketing. Oh, marketing. Why, oh, why, marketing must you sell out the little baby twist so soon in horror movies? Why lay all the cards out in your summaries and trailers? It would be like summarizing a rom-com as, “Two people get together and fall in love, but will their love be able to stand whatever stupid misconception they have within the third act?….Yes, of course, it does. But, still come see our movie!”. Please, stop.

And the actual GRIMCUTTY design isn’t bad. Lord, I’ve seen worse with “teen youth” horror films (looking at you, Bedeviled, and your dumb muppet hands). But the creature felt too distant and unreal like he was never in the same room or never even a true threat. He didn’t have enough of a presence to be felt in the movie. Although I will say as a side note, the person credited as GRIMCUTTY, Joel Ezra Hebner, has his demo reel on IMDB including contact info, so if any aspiring directors liked his work, give him a ring.

Something I really enjoyed about GRIMCUTTY and what I thought worked best for it, though, was how relatable the story was. Who hasn’t been a teenager? Who hasn’t felt the pressure to succeed? Who hasn’t had their parents listen to them in a time it really, really mattered?

More than just a horror movie, GRIMCUTTY is the passing of the torch from generation to generation, and the fear and mistrust during those tenuous years. And the pain that happens then, especially as the younger generation is struggling to understand themselves, the world, and their place within it. It’s scary. It’s menacing. Even more so when you’re alone to face it.

I only wish that there had been a scene between Asha and her father where he realizes that he, too, had to struggle as a teen. That maybe she’s trying her best, even though he doesn’t quite understand it, and that she’s a good kid despite their differences. If we only had a not-really-flashback of him butting heads with his own father and realizing that that is okay. It’s natural. It’s human.

However, at the end of the day, while there are the typical “teen horror” flaws, GRIMCUTTY holds up surprisingly well. It’s a good story with thoughtful characters and a good message. It’s a reminder to parents that, while society is different now and you used to be hip and with it, maybe just relax. Take a breath. The kids are okay. They just need some guidance, support, and maybe a few more likes on their ASMR channel.

You can now watch GRIMCUTTY on Hulu.

J.M. Brannyk
Movie Reviews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *