Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Get Away’

1/12/2025

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Maisie Ayres, Sebastian Croft, Aisling Bea, and Nick Frost as Jessie, Sam, Susan and Richard n Steffen Haars’ GET AWAY.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Get Away’.

It is definitely safe to say that folk horror is enjoying quite the renaissance right now. For everywhere you turn, there are a bevy of horror movies about everyday people stumbling into the nightmare of obscure, small town life. Or it’s a story set ages ago where darkness befalls a small-town community. But one way or another, you’ve seen one of these lovely films and it makes sense as to why they are enjoying such popularity right now. After all, these films tap into something primal, fear wise. Such as our fears of isolation and helplessness, and they remind us of the true power of connectivity and larger community. Since those elements in our world prevent some of the darkness we see here.

But what’s truly wonderful about this era of folk horror, is that so many creatives are eager to put a unique spin upon them and take them to new heights. So that they can fit in with the current landscape and ponder upon internal issues that are plaguing us, or… perhaps enjoy some measure of reinvention. Since that is something that accompanies popularity as well. But the possibility of that, does beg quite the question. In that… what more can folk horror accomplish? For it is a genre that is pretty well established and doesn’t really seem as though it can go to new places. Well, as it turns out, it most certainly can. Because horror legend Nick Frost penned a screenplay for a folk horror feature, that does indeed offer reinvention for this popular subgenre of films.

A feat that Get Away accomplishes, by taking us on a supremely unique ride. Wherein we meet a family of four, consisting of Richard, his wife, Susan, and their kids, Sam and Jessie… who are on their way to enjoy a unique event. For this family has a bit of a curious streak when it comes to morbid things, and they have come to Sweden from Great Britian, to take in a special holiday. For soon an ancient festival will take place on an obscure Swedish island, one mired in dark memories of starvation and cannibalism and this family wants to see it play out. But alas, they are not welcome in the slightest by the locals and well, that creates quite the problem for those who call this island home. For Richard’s family has brought with them a genuine darkness that will make everyone on the island pay dearly, for not showing the family more courtesy.

Which really is a plot that manages to reinvent the folk horror genre, but early on it doesn’t seem as though that will be the case. Since everything that plays out before a secret is revealed, is some old school folk horror. Complete with eccentric locals and weird traditions and rotten hate for those who enter their orbit. But once the secret is out in the open, the film changes course and is filled with nonstop surprises. The kind that are epic in nature and also… stunningly gory. In fact, there are sequences here that make you nauseous with the wanton splatter that takes place and that’s a wonderful thing. Since it speaks to how well the surprise works and truly, that twist and how it comes to pass really does make this a folk horror film unlike any other.

But what’s equally as impressive that Frost’s script accomplishes more than a re-jigging of the subgenre. It also, is quite George Romero in nature. Since in many ways, this folk horror story is seen from the eyes of the people of the town, and what unfolds on their island has echoes of criticism of colonialism. Of how allowing outside forces in, can collapse the delicate eco-systems that Britian and America have upended in the name of exploration, imperialism and freedom/oil. But in true Romero fashion, Frost also makes a point to speak upon how in many ways, this wild family and their wild secret serve as a mirror for the ignorance we’ve let grow in society. The very one that now threatens the foundations of our society and how real inaction has helped it rise. Which makes for a brilliant horror feature really, one that still has more wonders to offer.

After all, Nick Frost is known for his comedic chops as well, so there is humor to be found in this story and that brings about some well-timed chuckles and some true laugh out loud moments, especially when the reveal and bonkers third act hit. Not to mention, the cast, led by Frost, sell the majesty of this complex and intelligent story. One that truly is an outright must-see. Because this Shudder exclusive has something for everyone really. For there’s gore aplenty for the gorehounds, there’s social commentary and deep thoughts on the human condition, and some magnificent comedy to ensure the messages never weighs heavy. But what matters most, is that this film propels folk horror in a bold new direction, courtesy of some original storytelling that informs us all, that with a little care and a little thought, the real potential of any genre can be found.

Watch ‘Get Away’

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