There are certain filmmakers who, no matter what they make a movie about, you have to watch it. Most of those names are obvious—Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Ryan Coogler, to name a few—but one that should definitely be on the list is Jeremy Saulnier. While not a household name, his films have a very distinct, visceral feeling that turns them into events. He made Blue Ruin, he made Green Room, he made Rebel Ridge. All those movies blend genres in fascinating, unique ways. But now, he’s doing something new. He’s going straight horror. Or so we think.
A24 just released a cryptic teaser for Saulnier’s latest film, which is called Slayground. Which is, objectively, a fantastic title. Very little is known about the film except that it’s clearly set in and around the world of haunted Halloween attractions and stars Cory Michael Smith (Gotham), Chase Sui Wonders (The Studio), and Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me). We’re assuming it’s a horror movie from its first, disturbing video, but knowing Saulnier, not everything is what it seems.
Clearly, that trailer doesn’t tell us much. It looks like a group of kids going through a haunted house, and we’re guessing that guy with the metal mask, spikes on his shoulders, and massive axe is some kind of killer. But Saulnier isn’t one to be as random or obvious as this teaser is, so we’re guessing there’s much more.
There is a URL at the end, though: RunLikeHell.com. If you go there, it’s just a bunch of security footage of people and creatures in haunted attractions. Are there multiple attractions? Are they all deadly? Why won’t I be able to sleep tonight after clicking?
And while A24 hasn’t announced an official release date for the film, the countdown on that site is counting down to a date in late October, though it’s a Monday or Tuesday, which is not a usual release date. We’ll have to keep an eye out and see what’s next.
According to Dread Central, Slayground was originally called October and also stars Imogen Poots, James Badge Dale, Matty Matheson, Young Mazino, and Stephen Root. Which sounds even better. Here’s hoping we get more Slayground info as soon as possible.
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