Initially known for his successful slacker comedies, filmmaker Kevin Smith also harbors a fondness for the horror genre. He’s produced four films in this category, including the bizarrely unique “Tusk,” its sequel “Yoga Hosers,” and more recently “KillRoy Was Here.” Each of these movies is certainly not for everyone, but it’s evident that Smith enjoyed making them greatly. Interestingly, his first horror movie is where he arguably excelled the most.
In a first attempt at this genre, the movie “Red State” stands out as his finest work. It offers sharp insights into religious extremism, the harmful effects of prejudice, and the consequences of ignorance. Despite not being a blockbuster hit at the box office, it has gained a following through home video releases and streaming platforms. If you’re interested in watching this film, you’re in luck! “Red State” can be streamed on several ad-supported VOD platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV, Fandango Now, The Roku Channel, Plex, and Amazon Prime Video. Here is the trailer: [provide the link to the trailer]
In this project, it’s just Smith who gets the screenwriting recognition. Previously, he’s admitted that his script was influenced by Fred Phelps, a divisive character known for spreading messages of bigotry and disdain during his long-lasting role as the pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. However, Michael Parks portrays Pastor Abin Cooper, the film’s villain. Smith has clarified that Cooper is not a direct depiction of Phelps but rather loosely modeled after his unique form of hatred.
Beyond being Smith’s debut in the horror genre, the movie stands out by minimizing the typical bathroom humor that Smith is famously associated with. This decision proved to be astute as “Red State” maintains an unrelenting, intense, and occasionally harsh tone. However, it’s important to note that Smith does insert occasional instances of dark comedy throughout the film, offering a necessary contrast and lightening the mood. Yet, in this movie, we see a more reserved side of Smith’s style.
As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that this film didn’t exactly sweep the critics off their feet, but it did manage to leave a favorable impression on many viewers. In fact, it’s rated as ‘fresh’ on Rotten Tomatoes with a critical approval rating of 62%. This is not a blockbuster by any means, but it certainly has its merits.
What I found particularly impressive was the strong performances from a talented cast, such as John Goodman and Melissa Leo. The film also showed an audaciousness in pushing boundaries repeatedly, which is something that I truly appreciate in cinema. So, while it may not have been hailed as a masterpiece by every critic, it’s definitely worth watching for its compelling acting and boundary-pushing narrative.
In my opinion, this horror movie by Smith stands out as his finest work yet, and chances are you might not have had the opportunity to watch all of his films. If you’re unfamiliar with KillRoy Was Here, it was initially released as an NFT and has since gained a reputation as a rare gem because of its extremely limited distribution.
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2025-07-19 03:09