Is there anything more quintessentially summer than gathering around a campfire to recount ghost stories? Picture the flickering flames as the fire crackles and embers pop, the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional snap of twigs underfoot. Friends huddle together, passing around a flashlight to illuminate their faces as they spin spine-chilling tales. The scene feels like a page torn from a classic summer slasher movie, teeming with thrills and delightful nostalgia.
That’s the premise of the new indie horror film, Marshmallow. At first glance, it may not seem particularly original, right? But that’s where you’d be mistaken, as this story takes an unexpected twist that I’m sure will catch you off guard.
The movie opens with a chilling nightmare that introduces our protagonist, the young and socially awkward Morgan (portrayed by Kue Lawrence). We get to know his family and his close relationship with Grandfather Roy (Corbin Bernsen). Following his grandfather’s unexpected death, Morgan is sent to summer camp in hopes of helping him work through his grief and shy demeanor.
In classic summer camp style, the heart of the story unfolds around a campfire where the campers gather to hear a spooky story designed to keep them from wandering outside after dark. It’s about “The Doctor,” a sinister figure who once conducted wild experiments in a lab that used to be located on the campgrounds.
Legend has it that anyone caught outside after lights out might just become his next victim…
…and that’s all I’m sharing with you! I went into this film knowing only that it was a summer camp horror film, and I’m so glad I did, because it created the ultimate experience. I often forget how much I love discovering indie horror gems, and this one fits the bill. It serves as a reminder that horror doesn’t need a massive budget; as long as there’s heart and passion for the genre woven throughout, it can truly shine.
The screenplay for this project was penned by Andy Greskoviak and directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio. While neither has an extensive portfolio, their lack of extensive experience isn’t a dealbreaker these days. Andy has previously written for Black Friday (2021), which features Bruce Campbell, a personal favorite of mine and a true horror icon. Meanwhile, Daniel has worked on the visual effects for Gags the Clown (2018) and The Stylist (2020). Though their body of work may be limited, they certainly have some credibility in the horror genre.
After watching Marshmallow, I’m excited to see what they’ll tackle next and believe they have a promising future ahead.
The child actors in this production deliver truly outstanding performances. Each character brings a unique energy to the ensemble, and their chemistry is palpable, making every interaction feel genuine. It’s hard not to draw comparisons to Stranger Things, particularly with the nostalgic backdrop of a heavy synth soundtrack that echoes the show’s vibe. Additionally, the lead character’s appearance bears a striking resemblance to Finn Wolfhard, further solidifying those associations. This combination of stellar acting and a captivating aesthetic creates the perfect backdrop for a summer horror film.
And no summer camp film is truly complete without the classic tropes we’ve come to expect. It immediately brought to mind Friday the 13th, featuring the familiar cast of camp counselors, ranging from the responsible leader to the athletic jock and the often reckless, horny ones. With Morgan’s recurring dream of drowning underwater, I felt like this could be a Jason Voorhees origin story!
It starts like a coming-of-age story, a genre that isn’t exactly my favorite. The theme of bullying makes me uncomfortable for the characters, which I guess is part of the experience, and sadly, reflects a reality for some during their childhood. However, as the story unfolds, it shifts into the summer horror that we all know and cherish, highlighting the creator’s passion for the genre.
But don’t be misled by the familiar tropes; the twist caught me completely off guard. While there were moments when my attention began to wane, it quickly regained focus with the increased screen time featuring “The Doctor.” The score also played a significant role in easing some of the slow buildup, while simultaneously ramping up the tension. I’m a sucker for a dark, heavy synth score, and this one struck just the right chord, tapping into that nostalgic craving I have.
The film truly shines in its originality. I could watch any summer camp slasher film and still find enjoyment, but it’s the ones with unexpected twists that stick with me. Take, for instance, Sleepaway Camp (1983) featuring Felissa Rose; that final scene is permanently etched in my memory. If you know, you know! While Marshmallow didn’t catch me off guard as much as that classic (not many can), it still managed to surprise me in the best possible way.
I give Marshmallow four out of five stars. I enjoyed it so much that I have no doubt it will land a spot in my Top 10 of the year, simply because of the joy it brought me. Indie horror has so much potential, and the more we support it, the better the films we’ll see in the future. Just look at the rise of the Terrifier franchise — it started as an indie film and look at how far our support has taken it now!
Summer has officially arrived, bringing its warm embrace. So, gather your friends around a crackling campfire and toast some marshmallows — it’s the perfect time for spooky slasher flicks!
You can rent Marshmallow now On Demand.