From the get-go, the practical effects and their importance in this film are evident. When volunteer number 85, a homeless man, is injected with a substance, he suffers apparent symptoms, including feeling itchy and having a burning sensation. The burning sensation doesn’t last long, though, before his flesh begins to fall apart entirely, and he vomits a purple liquid all over himself. Breaking news about events in Cape Town, South Africa, alerts us that homeless individuals are actively fighting against the government for their rights. The unemployment rate has reached an alarming 90%, and a significant business crisis is happening simultaneously. Additionally, extreme inflation has led to skyrocketing prices, the last rhino has been poached, and there are ongoing reports and rumours about the Rat King waging war against the government.
In the news segment, we are introduced to Ronald (Sean Cameron Michael), a homeless man who successfully steals a battery and goes on the run. After another day of surviving the streets, Ronald looks after a stranger in trouble named Alex (Donna Cormack-Thomson). He invites her back to his spot, where he lives with his close friends: Chef (Joe Vaz), Pap (Shuraigh Meyer), Wors (Lloyd Martinez Newkirk), Offley (Ryan Kruger), and 2-Bit (Gary Green).
Together, Ronald and his friends take it upon themselves to share their street knowledge and wisdom with Alex, the newest member of their group. As the group does whatever they can to stay alive and remain optimistic, they stumble upon something significant: a plot in which the mayor intends to remove all homeless people from the city. Realising that enough is enough, Ronald and his friends decide it’s time to stand up and fight back.
For those unaware, the film is a sequel with (funny enough) the same name as the original one released in 1987. The great news is that even if you haven’t seen the previous film, newcomers can jump straight into this movie with fresh eyes and still be well-informed. Writer and director Ryan Kruger has previously worked on films such as Fried Barry, along with various short films such as Alien Dick (2022) and #MeowToo (2021). Street Trash is a horror filled with gruesome kills where skin falls off; heads explode off bodies, and, most importantly, melt. Along with the horror aspect, Street Trash is a comedy filled with random lines of dialogue and wacky moments. The new technology used in the film helps create a playful sci-fi aspect, which I also admired on-screen.
For positives, if you love horror films with plenty of practical effects, especially those relating to violence, gore, blood, splatter and melting, you will love this film. The primary visuals are also great thanks to the director utilising 35mm cameras, which not only look great but also give the appearance that this film could have been made in the 80s, just like the original. The plot is simple and brainless with a quick runtime and a brilliant third act, which hits the film perfectly. The film’s score by Ebenhaezer Smal is a massive blast (just like the score for Fried Barry, which Smal also composed) and is filled with cool beats and techno tracks.
When it comes to gags, many of the jokes in the film worked well, and I found myself giggling quite a bit, largely thanks to the comedic timing of Chef (Joe Vaz), and the facial expressions and crazed mannerisms of 2-Bit (Gary Green). However, some gags missed their mark entirely. Naturally, opinions on comedy will vary. While the film’s third act is a lot of fun, I found the first act to be a bit rocky, particularly regarding the introduction of Alex and the training needed for survival. Once our leads make a significant discovery involving the Mayor, the film improves dramatically.
Overall, Street Trash is a film characterised by an abundance of gore, violence, splatter effects, colourful melts, and R18+ humour. It’s a mindless movie filled with randomness and wacky gags that often made me grin or giggle, although not every joke resonated with me. The film’s visuals, shot in 35mm, perfectly complement its outrageous style, and the soundtrack is energetic and packed with fun beats. If you enjoyed Fried Barry, you’ll be pleased to know that writer and director Ryan Kruger has delivered another outstanding horror film. Even if you haven’t seen the original 1987 cult classic, newcomers (like me) can easily dive into this film and experience the ultimate melt-and-body horror movie of the year.
Street Trash (2024) is available on Digital in Australia starting February 19th!
FILM SCORE: 6.7/10
Published: 15th February 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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