Ick, directed by Joseph Kahn, is a high-octane sci-fi horror satire that cleverly subverts classic genre conventions by presenting an alien invasion met with apathy rather than panic. The film is set in the small American town of Eastbrook, where a malevolent vine-like entity known as “the Ick” has been spreading its insidious presence for nearly two decades. Despite its pervasive creep, the town’s residents have grown disturbingly indifferent to the growing threat, highlighting a chilling commentary on societal desensitization to ongoing crises.
Brandon Routh stars as Hank Wallace, a former high school football star now relegated to a science teacher at the local high school. His character’s journey from potential greatness to mundane obscurity mirrors the film’s central theme of missed opportunities and neglected potential. Alongside him is Grace (Malina Weissman), a perceptive student who becomes central to the unfolding horror. The dynamic between Hank and Grace adds a layer of personal stakes to the broader crisis, exploring themes of identity, generational gaps, and the search for connection amidst chaos.
Kahn’s film is a throwback to early 2000s sci-fi and horror aesthetics, enriched by a nostalgic soundtrack that enhances its satirical edge. The juxtaposition of retro elements with modern social commentary creates a unique viewing experience, as the film critiques contemporary apathy through a pastiche of earlier genre films. Ick employs its grotesque, fast-paced narrative to serve as both a satire and a reflection on how societies might normalize ongoing threats rather than confront them.
In essence, Ick is a sharply crafted satire that uses its creature feature premise to delve into deeper themes of societal complacency and personal regret, all while delivering a frenetic and entertaining cinematic experience.
Ick is playing at TIFF ’24. For more information, click here.
