Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Slaxx’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Slaxx’.​
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There comes a point in all of our lives, where we are ready to venture out into the world and forge our own path and realize our dreams. And when that proud day comes, we quickly come to realize that we are going to need a little bit of cash to make that happen. Which motivates us to join the workforce while we put our future together and really, all we hope for when that day comes, is to find a good paying job where we are surrounded by quality co-workers and managers so we can happily get that bread while we lay the foundation down for tomorrow. But alas, it doesn’t take long for us to figure out… that a lot of jobs out there, stink, and are stressful and annoying. Simply because… they are full of sub-par and toxic managers and sometimes equally as bad coworkers. Something that of course takes us by surprise since we were hoping for better. 
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But what is truly stunning about that particular revelation, is that we tend to stand by our job regardless of the circumstances. Largely due to the fact that we need the money but also because… it really is the American way to simply put up with toxic and awful gigs. Because we have this collective understanding that jobs like that are commonplace, and that we have to go through them as some sort of strange rite of passage. But the fact of the matter is, that kind of environment is not healthy in the slightest, and it shouldn’t be tolerated and collectively, we need to speak up more about how these kinds of rotten and ugly jobs need to change their toxic and apathetic ways and put people over profit. But thankfully, those conversations seem to be happening on a more consistent basis, to the point where even the horror industry is getting into the commentary game on such matters, as evidenced by the new Shudder release, Slaxx.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a fresh-faced young woman named Libby, who is incredibly excited over the fact that she is starting a brand-new job at the hottest fashion retailer around; Canadian Cotton Clothiers, or CCC as they are more commonly known. And she’s excited to start this new gig, simply because CCC not only stands for quality products, but they offer a dynamic working environment. One where their employees can be proud of the fact that their company puts forth products that are made in a supremely ethical manner. But it doesn’t take long for Libby to learn, that a lot of what CCC boasts about is nothing more than an outright lie, and to complicate matters further, their hot new jean line, the ‘Super Shapers’, were assembled in such a shady manner… that the spirit of an employee that died during their construction has become trapped within their threads. Motivating their spirit to bring those jeans to life to exact revenge upon the employees of CCC and now it will be up to Libby and a handful of crafty employees to try and stop these jeans from continuing their fashionable killing spree.

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So, in case the plot summary doesn't make it clear, this is indeed a horror film that features a pair of murderous jeans. Which in many ways makes this a horror comedy. One that is actually quite hilarious for certain. Because watching a pair of pants feast upon flesh to satiate a bloodlust, really does bring about some serious laughs, as do some of the other shenanigans that these pants get into over the course of the film. But once the story takes the time to dive into what CCC is really all about, the movie completely and utterly changes its tone and design, allowing for this unique and gory story… to instead offer up a great deal of commentary on the overall failings of corporate America, with a dash of thoughts on how the power of consumerism relates to that. Which makes this quite the brilliant horror film when all is said and done. 
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For it truly holds nothing back in its scathing examination of how corporate America really did make a decision along the way to prioritize profits and mission statements over people, and how that has helped to create toxic work environments that are complete with equally as toxic managers, something the movie hammers home by way of some shockingly realistic scenes. The kind that a great deal of us have lived through since there are bosses in this movie more concerned with metrics, instead of dealing with very real problems happening on their watch. Granted, in this case, that involves dead bodies, but the lack of care and the desire to protect profits instead of their employees… is in fact a common thread we hear about now and that really does make this movie quite poignant and powerful. Since it really does remind us that corporations no longer care about what truly makes them successful. Something that is likely attributed to the fact that consumerism is sadly what drives some of this problem. 

Because the endless demands that consumers have put upon retailers and companies in general, to have their needs met on an instantaneous basis, has motivated corporations to cut corners and prioritize differently, creating an endless and viscous cycle if you will. An issue that the story makes clear, is up to the corporations to fix. Which is a fascinating ask to find within the framework of a movie about killer jeans and well, in the end, all of these elements make this particular horror film a must watch. Because not only does it feature some quality and intricate gore and some stunning and intelligent commentary on our modern world, but it is also an absolutely fun and refreshing ride. One filled to the brim with quality laughs and epic moments and thankfully, you can experience the wonder of Slaxx right now, since it is available to stream on Shudder.

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