At first glance, this movie poster doesn’t grab my attention. However, a few elements pique my interest: blood dripping from some unknown characters at the top and the tagline reads, “Get ready for a killer holiday.”
OK, I’m considering pressing play, but I’m still unconvinced. The title, Get Away, is generic and lacks excitement, but I can overlook that. Oh, wait! Nick Frost is in it. Now, I’m sold. Let’s give it a go!
Get Away, originally titled Svalta, is a British horror comedy that showcases the unique talents of Nick Frost, who not only serves as the writer, but also stars in the film. Frost is widely recognized for his contributions to the horror genre, mainly through his collaborations with fellow actor, Simon Pegg. Together, they gained fame for their work in the celebrated Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy.
This trilogy consists of three critically acclaimed films: Shaun of the Dead (2004), which humorously tackles the Zombie Apocalypse while providing a heartfelt story about friendship and survival. It’s a fantastic movie to kick off your journey into horror comedy. Hot Fuzz (2007), a brilliant take on buddy-cop action comedies that delves into secrets lurking in a seemingly idyllic village; and The World’s End (2013), where a nostalgic pub crawl takes an unexpected turn with extraterrestrial involvement. Each film highlights the duo’s comedic prowess and ability to weave in thrilling aspects typical of the horror genre.
Get Away has been on my mind since it premiered at Fantastic Fest 2024, which I had the honor of attending remotely. With so many films premiering simultaneously, it got lost in the shuffle. However, thanks to IFC Films and Shudder, it is now streaming on Shudder, as of January 2025.
Directed by Steffen Haars, the movie follows a family of four on vacation to a Swedish island known for its annual Karantan festival. Richard (played by Frost), and his wife, Susan (Aisling Bea), evoke memories of Clark and Ellen Griswold, frequently calling each other “Mommy” and “Daddy,” much to the embarrassment of their children (portrayed by Sebastian Croft and Maisie Ayres). Despite warnings from locals not to visit the island, they proceed with their plans.
Think of foreboding characters such as Mordecai from Cabin in the Woods or Crazy Ralph from Friday the 13th — Horror 101 tells us constantly to heed their warnings, even if the warners seem unreliable.
The family arrives at their Airbnb, hosted by a shady character named Mats (Eero Milonoff). They settle in despite encountering creepy occurrences and the strangeness of their host. This, combined with the unsettling atmosphere reminiscent of The Wicker Man and Midsommar created by the villagers, gives the first two-thirds of the film a spooky, yet comedic tone. It leaves me wondering if the family will survive their holiday abroad.
I’ll stop discussing the plot here because the third act is truly wild, in the best way possible. The less you know about it beforehand, the better. I won’t compare it to movies with similar twists, so I don’t reveal too much. However, I will say that the film’s overall tone reminds me of Cabin in the Woods due to its clever storytelling and sharp dialogue. The pacing is excellent, keeping me engaged and never making me bored. Not to mention, the Swedish scenery is fantastic and beautiful.
All the performances are great, especially the chemistry and banter between “Mommy” and “Daddy.” Nick Frost never misses a beat, reminding us how clever his wit and delivery are. Aisling Bea is someone I’m not overly familiar with, but she is an Irish delight. They worked so well together that it’s hard to imagine Lena Headey was the original actress hired to play the mom. I know her best as Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones. She had to be replaced due to scheduling conflicts.
I’ve seen many reviews for this movie, and opinions seem polarized. To truly appreciate it, you need to understand the horror-comedy genre well. I found the film an incredibly clever and delightful experience that kept me engaged from start to finish. In contrast, some viewers have described it as “forgettable,” which I cannot agree with!
The humor was sharp and well-timed, perfectly blending horror elements with comedic moments, bringing a fresh perspective and originality. While I wouldn’t place this film on my all-time classic horror-comedies list, I genuinely appreciate that we’re seeing some quality contributions in the horror-comedy space. It’s refreshing to know that filmmakers are still creating original content that entertains and elicits a good laugh while delivering those thrilling chills we crave in horror films.
I would be open to watching it again to catch any nuances I may have missed the first time.
If there’s any compelling reason to hit play on Get Away, expect a thrillingly gory, gruesome and utterly unpredictable third act that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The drastic turn of events surprised me, and I can confidently say that it’s bound to astonish you as well. I want to thank Shudder for consistently delivering a fantastic selection of films this past year, showcasing a range of engaging stories and unique visions. I’m genuinely excited to see what other cinematic gems the rest of the year will bring our way!
I rate Get Away four out of five stars! You can stream this now on Shudder.