Sleepaway Camp (1983) Review: A WTF Slasher
“…you won’t be coming home!”Synopsis: Angela Baker, a traumatized and very shy young girl, is sent to summer camp with her cousin. Shortly after her arrival, anyone with sinister or less than honorable intentions gets their comeuppance. | ![]() Watch now on Amazon |
Calamity Brains:
Sleepaway Camp is an ’80s slasher classic. When it comes up in discussion, the conversation usually centers around the twist ending and the general WTF-ery of the movie. Those things are worth mentioning, certainly (especially the latter), but what I find most noteworthy about Sleepaway Camp is that its stars are children.
Unlike most camp slashers which focus on counselors, most of the main characters here are pre- or early teens. That makes the usual murders and sex-related play all the more disturbing, and provides a more uncomfortable feel than other murder spree movies manage. It’s heavy on bullying and pedophilia, with some child abuse thrown in. Though often campy, this is not a movie for the faint of heart.
A big benefit of kids acting in the movie is that, well, they act like kids. It makes lapses more forgivable and strong moments more memorable. It’s especially nice to see some characterization in a slasher flick – though there isn’t a ton of development, it’s still good that the main characters (Felissa Rose, Jonathan Tiersten, et al) have personalities.
This is one that you need to see if you care about the classics, but be forewarned – you’ll be screaming “what the FUCK” at your TV more than once.
Calamity Brains’ Rating: B-
Watch now on Amazon
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |