Screamboat is part of a recent genre phenomenon known as the Public Domain Horror. This genre has been popularized thanks to the surprise hit, Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. Director and co-writer Steven LaMorte crafts a fun send-up of the Disney brand through this versatile slasher flick.
Our story takes place on a Staten Island ferry, the Steamboat Mortimer, on a foggy evening. An aspiring fashion designer, Selena (Allison Pittel), notices a police officer has been killed by a grotesque mouse, Steamboat Willie (David Howard Thornton). At first, no one believes her, until the mouse’s killings become more elaborate and gruesome. Some of his victims include the ship’s captain and boozy young women dressed as Disney Princesses. As the murders occur, Selena befriends Pete the Deckhand (Tyler Posey) and EMT Amber (Amy Schumacher).
This fiendish creature causes mayhem and death due to his tragic backstory. He was experimented on by mad scientists in an attempt to make him more “animated.” Later on, Willie was rescued by a steamboat captain, Walt. More tragedy struck as Walt died and Minnie, the love of his life, fell overboard and vanished at sea. Our deranged slasher falls for Selena, as her polka dot bag reminds him of Minnie. He has taken over the ship in order to find his lost love. It is up to Selena, Pete, and Amber to save the ship from Willie’s terror.
“…Selena, notices a police officer has been killed by a grotesque mouse, Steamboat Willie.”
LaMorte and co-screenwriter Matthew Garcia-Dunn deliver a film that acts as both a tribute and comedic take on the Walt Disney Company. There is an animated flashback that imitates the style of rubber hose cartoons from the 1920s to the early 1930s. References to the Disney brand are sprinkled throughout Screamboat with cheeky dialogue, subtle costume design, and props. These elements were my favorite aspects. Quantum Creation FX also did phenomenal work in bringing Willie to life. He is a combination of David Howard Thornton (best known for portraying Art the Clown in The Terrifier franchise) and puppetry. This makes Willie a memorable slasher villain. Thornton’s performance manages to capture the character’s whimsical nature while maintaining a menacing presence.
While the film has many entertaining elements, it takes time to get suspenseful. The film picks up the pace once Willie’s backstory is introduced, and then it becomes more engaging! There are even mid- and post-credit teases for those who really love it. I have to admit I’m excited to see what LaMorte does next with this twisted version of Mickey Mouse.
This Public Domain Horror film will appeal to slasher buffs, Disney fans, and yes, Disney haters! Screamboat is perfect for this Halloween season as an enjoyable guilty pleasure.
"…perfect for this Halloween season as an enjoyable guilty pleasure."
