In the 80s there was a number of films that became known as “melt films”, Street Trash (1987) became one of the most well-known of them. In a small turn of minor genius Director Ryan Kruger, and writers James C Williamson and Roy Frumkes have brought the style, and substance of 80’s schlock horror to a new generation, with a spiritual sequel of the same name..
Before fully watching this I got huge vibes of Troma Films from the trailer. For those who don’t know Troma were the kings of the schlock horror genre with Toxic Avenger and Tromeo and Juliet, as well as others. This films absolutely nails the style, feel and effects look of those old films, but the film itself looks significantly better. This is thanks in the main to modern technology and cameras.
The important thing to note about this film is that it’s really bad, but in the best ways possible. The effects are cheesy as hell at times, but so gross. Watching a man strapped to a chair slough the skin off his hand and face, just before his head falls off, and feeling both nauseated and wanting to laugh is a really bizarre feeling. That’s not a spoiler by the way. It’s literally in the first few minutes…
This is not a film that is ever going to win any of the major awards, but if there are any B-Movie awards shows out there then sign this film up for all the shortlists. The performances are exactly what you’d expect in a film like this. None of them are awful. They fit perfectly within the vibe of the movie, and for that reason, I have zero complaints. One of my favourite parts was the fact that the cameraman was a character in the film. He never said anything but the others talked to him, and every now and then his hand would come out from behind the camera and interact….awesome.
Overall, this is a cheesy, explosive, gross, funny, schlock horror tribute to some of the best bad films ever made. Is it likely to be remembered in quite the same vein as those old movies? Probably not, but they were very much a product of the time and quickly garnered a cult following. This is definitely a film you should check out if feeling grossed out is your thing. If you have a weak stomach I’d give it a miss, but for everyone else, it’s getting a 2.5/5. I was grossed out but loved it!!
Street Trash [2025] is now available to own or rent across all major streaming and download platforms as well as a special Limited Edition Double Blu-Ray Disc Collector’s Pack courtesy of Lightbulb Film Distribution.
Bad, but in the best ways possible!
Movie title: Street Trash (2024)
Movie description: A group of homeless misfits must fight for survival when they discover a plot to exterminate every homeless person in the city.
Date published: January 8, 2025
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 25m
Director(s): Ryan Krugar
Actor(s): Sean Cameron Michael, Donna Cormack-Thomson, Joe Vaz
Genre: Horror
