Hell of a Summer Trailer Brings Retro Slasher Vibes With a Twist
Finn Wolfhard makes his directorial debut with Billy Bryk in the horror-comedy Hell of a Summer, a self-aware slasher that blends 1980s camp scares with sharp humor.
The newly released trailer for Hell of a Summer introduces a bloody and playful tribute to classic camp slashers. Distributed by Neon, the film is directed by Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, longtime collaborators making their first feature-length debut behind the camera. Wolfhard, best known from Stranger Things and It, also stars in the film alongside Fred Hechinger and Abby Quinn.
Set at Camp Pineway, the story follows a group of counselors preparing for the kids’ arrival. Their plans unravel when a masked killer begins stalking them, turning the summer retreat into a blood-soaked nightmare. The trailer highlights a mix of jump scares, quick banter, and meta-commentary, signaling a tone closer to horror-comedies like Scream and Wet Hot American Summer.
The cast features Fred Hechinger as Jason, joined by Billy Bryk, Finn Wolfhard, Abby Quinn, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Pardis Saremi, Adam Pally, and Rosebud Baker. Their chemistry, combined with witty dialogue, is positioned as one of the film’s standout elements, balancing the gore with comedic beats.
Produced by Wolfhard, Bryk, and Hechinger alongside Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman, the movie carries the spirit of a passion project. Critics at its Toronto International Film Festival premiere in 2023 noted its blend of throwback slasher nostalgia with a fresh Gen Z twist. While some lists mark it as a 2023 release, Neon confirms its official U.S. theatrical debut will be April 4, 2025.
Running 88 minutes and rated R for violence, language, and sexual references, Hell of a Summer leans into its campy tone. The film wears its influences proudly, layering gruesome kills with inside jokes about horror tropes and the absurdity of summer camp rituals. For horror fans, it is both homage and parody.
Neon has also set a home release for July 8, 2025, giving fans a second chance to experience the chaos from their living rooms. As anticipation builds, Wolfhard’s jump from child star to co-director is itself a headline, adding curiosity about how this youthful creative team reshapes a beloved genre.
Watch the trailer ►
