Eli Roth Resurrects His Mock Trailer in Slasher Hit “Thanksgiving”
For ardent fans of Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth, the announcement of “Thanksgiving” must have felt like a familiar throwback. Roth’s newest cinematic offering, Thanksgiving, ties back to a gag from a Quentin Tarantino movie that’s been out in the world for nearly 16 years. While this might leave some scratching their heads, the tale behind this movie has a connection both intriguing and unexpected.
Roth’s Tribute to Classic Slasher Films
Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving is more than just another addition to his gruesome repertoire. It’s a deep bow to the timeless holiday-themed slashers such as Halloween, Black Christmas, and My Bloody Valentine. The sinister narrative draws us to Massachusetts, where serial killer John Carver graces the town with a visit during Thanksgiving, albeit with a morbid twist. Carver doesn’t look to be a guest at the dinner table but rather aims to make the town’s residents the main course.
Acting stalwart Patrick Dempsey shines as the town sheriff, and he isn’t the only big name associated with the project. Gina Gershon, Tim Dillon, and even TikTok sensation Addison Rae lend their talent to this gripping narrative.
“Thanksgiving is the result of one of Roth and Tarantino’s earliest collaborations.”
The Real Inspiration Behind “Thanksgiving”
The film’s origin is as fascinating as its plot. Remember 2007’s Grindhouse? It was a gritty double feature showcasing Tarantino’s Death Proof and Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror. The feature was more than just these two flicks; it was peppered with fictitious trailers designed to evoke nostalgia for the B-movies of the past. Among these was Roth’s own mock trailer, aptly titled Thanksgiving.
While Rodriguez gave audiences a taste of a mercenary movie with Machete and Edgar Wright spoofed ‘70s horror with Don’t, Roth’s Thanksgiving stood out as a captivating prospect that many wished was more than just a mock trailer.
The Journey from Teaser to Feature Film
Given the buzz his trailer generated, one might wonder why it took Eli Roth an astounding 16 years to bring Thanksgiving to life. After Grindhouse hit the screens, Roth had his hands full with a slew of other ventures, from directing the sequel to Hostel to dabbling in diverse projects like The Green Inferno and Knock Knock.
His journey in the cinematic universe didn’t halt there. Big-ticket films like Death Wish and The House with a Clock in Its Walls beckoned. So when the time finally felt right to delve into Thanksgiving, Roth was brimming with enthusiasm. So much so, that he handed over the reins for reshoots of his Borderlands movie to fellow director Tim Miller, ensuring his full focus was on this passion project.
With such an intriguing backstory and a mastermind like Roth at its helm, Thanksgiving promises to be an unforgettable addition to the slasher genre.
