‘Slugs’ (1988) – Review

The Arrow Video collection really never fails to disappoint. This was a blind buy for me, because I fancied watching something sleazy and mindless, something that delivered the practical gore the only way an 80s lesser known gem can. Enter – ‘Slugs’, a Spanish/American horror film about a small town in America which has become overrun by slugs that have been mutated by toxic waste. Yes, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds.

I’ve recently had a fascination with the collection of Arrow Video Blu Ray releases, watching ‘Zombie Flesh Eaters’ by Lucio Fulci about a week ago, with my Mum, who also oves watching 80s horror underrated gems. I decided to go for ‘Slugs’ just based on the cover art, which looks absolutely fantastic and completely encapsulates what the film is like. With a name like ‘Slugs’, how could I resist?

Let me just say, this film is not for everyone. You need to be able to cope with the terrible acting, the cringe dialogue and the sometimes fast, sometimes plodding pace of the film. On the other hand, if you can handle all of that, and are anything like me, loves all of that, then you’re in for a treat. 

One main reason to watch this film is the practical effects. They are juicy and the set pieces are numerous, and never fail to be gruesome and disgusting. One scene, which starts off as a raunchy sex scene, devolves into a horrifying orgy of slugs and blood, I won’t give specifics, you wanna find out? Check it out yourself.

When the opening title sequence materialises by way of a slug trail, which heavily reminded me of the iconic ‘The Thing’ title sequence, it’s difficult not to smile at the tongue-in-cheek nature. There are multiple hilarious (intentional or not) dialogue choices and deliveries, especially at the beginning, when character interactions are bookended by random close ups of a few black slimy black slugs, as a not so subtle attempt at foreshadowing. 

‘Slugs’ is a charming and slimy romp through the bizarre, a film which delivers with the blood and gore, and the cracking 80s effects are great to see. The acting may be sub-par, but what do you expect from a film called ‘Slugs’?

#review #horror #1988 #Doctorhorror #slugs