Slapface

The dialogue goes on and on about how much trouble Lucas always gets into. Is that ever shown, though? Not even once. The worst he ever does is throw a tantrum and destroy several family pictures at home. But, of course, this is at his emotionally lowest moment and is at the behest of the monster. Some 10 or 15 minutes need to be added to the opening act, with Lucas at school creeping the others out or throwing things at the teacher. Anything really, so the reason the kids don’t get on with him is made clear. As it stands, the written lines and the actions seen are at odds with each other for the longest time.

With that being said, Slapface still works overall. The first thing to its credit is the core cast. Not the smaller roles (whoever plays Moriah’s mom has some of the fakest acting in cinematic history), but the main performers are quite good. Young Maturo does a lot of the heavy lifting, making Lucas scared, determined, and heartfelt all at once. During a game of slapface (whose rules confound), he breaks down, tearfully telling Tom that he loves him. It feels raw and honest. Manning is just as good as the older sibling. He makes Tom’s lackadaisical approach toward raising Lucas feel more than simple negligence. It is clear he cares for Lucas but that he isn’t suited to a paternal role at the moment. The two leads share an easygoing chemistry suggesting a lifetime of knowing each other.

“…gets a boost from the incredible makeup…”

Barer makes quite the impression as Anna. While she’s not in it much, she brings that touch of humanity the brothers need to know the world ultimately does care for them. Hedaya is quite good and sympathetic, while Lee makes her character’s turns quite believable.

Beyond the cast, Slapface gets a boost from the incredible makeup of the monster. Tony O’Brien makes the witch-esque villain creepy just to look, while Hassel’s physical movements just add even more eeriness. Barry Neely’s score is also good, capturing the isolated woodland setting while the cinematography highlights just how isolated the two leads are from everyone else at all times.

Slapface is not a perfect film, as audiences are told and shown different things. But the acting is good, and the story moves quickly. Most importantly, the themes dealing with unchecked rage and bullying work once all the pieces are laid out.

Slapface is streaming on Shudder.