'Deathwoods' Review
- Connor Petrey
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 30
Release Date: 09/01/26 [Screambox]
Genre: Comedy. Horror.
MPAA: Not Rated.
Distributor: Cineverse.
The Verdict: A Must-See
Set in the modern day but styled like an 80s slasher, Deathwoods is a campy love letter to slashers at their cinematic peak. Created in the early 00s by Scott Conner and modernized in recent years by Conner and Jake Kopronica, it is set in the modern day but styled like an 80s slasher. In our current world without a new Friday the 13th. Deathwoods understood the assignment.
Starting with a solid goretastic opener that fully embodies what the next hour-plus of the film will entail. This is just the beginning of the showcase of the brutal practical effects by co-director Deryk Wehrley. This is also the grand introduction of our masked killer and, man, do they look cool in that mask (“Dawson” by Neal Harvey)!
The main story revolves around Scott (Anthony Dain) as he joins his friends on a camping trip to get out of his funk after his girlfriend suddenly left him with no warning. Picking Scott up are Jess (MacKenzie Lee) and Kyle (Kellan Jackson), a couple that is clearly carrying some baggage but are keeping it relatively behind closed doors. Their second stop is Michelle (KateLynn E. Newberry), who similarly is dealing with some depression from a recent breakup, a potential match with Scott if all things go to Jess’ proposed plan.
After some reluctance to join, the four stop at a BBQ joint where they run into two less-than-courteous country types who harass Michelle and get themselves into quite a fight. It’s important to retain these two in your mind, as they will become more of a possible threat to look after beyond the obvious killer on the loose. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this twice, once at a Drive-In Theatre experience and another at home, and I will say that upon first viewing these characters did grind on me. Yet on reflection, their humor flows well with the other comedic beats throughout.
While the comedy isn’t too heavy, the R-rated humor you’d come to expect from a retro slasher is here, just a tad toned down in comparison. A lot of jokes start flying when they finally arrive at the presumed “Deathwoods”, and Tiffany, not “Tiff” (Celeste Blandon), and Derek (Jake Kopronica) reveal themselves. Two more make appearances shortly after, and eight total campers enter, with the looming question of how many (if any) will make it out alive.
Skinny dipping, campfire stories, and lewd hide & seek tease an onslaught of carnage candy. Axes, chainsaws, knives, and shears; the killer doesn’t lock in on just one weapon and, similar to Jason Voorhees (while synonymous with a machete), uses a wide range of weapons. While the dialogue surrounding it may come off as awkwardly campy, this is clearly purposeful and in favor of the fun to be had with Deathwoods.
Featuring a fantastic killer design, nostalgic story beats, and appropriately maniacal practical effects that deliver exactly what viewers can hope for in a classic slasher. Jake Kopronica and Deryk Wehrley’s directing efforts shine, resulting in a mysterious déjà vu experience that feels like it was pulled from an 80s time capsule yet strangely modern.
