A teen slasher comedy with a killer in a duck costume, doesn’t sound like something the BBC would commission does it…
Wreck is a brand new 6-part series that follows queer teenager Jamie searching for answers on a cruise ship where his sister went missing.
After his arrival, in true slasher fashion, teens start getting bumped off by a killer in a duck costume but is there something more to this killing spree?
Wreck has a quirky comedy streak that will have you howling with laughter but is also packed with plenty of gore. There is some social commentary on class systems and adults’ treatment of teenagers but you aren’t beaten over the head with it.
In Jamie, we have a central character who is layered and sympathetic, as ultimately this is a brother just looking for his sister. We get enough exposition and weird plot motifs that could only appear in a slasher series, but you just roll with it as this is a lot of fun.
Jamie doesn’t akin to queer on-screen stereotypes and feels like a three-dimensional character, who isn’t perfect, wants companionship but also has a wry sense of humour. He is ably backed up by Cormac, his Irish friend who has snuck on board to try to reclaim the heart of his ex, who is also a Cher tribute act at night. Cormac is the comic relief who will also win over audiences with his goofiness.
For the slasher boffins, there are also callbacks to films such as Killer Workout, The Shining plus The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with some of its set pieces.
At six episodes Wreck doesn’t overstay its welcome and feels like a complete story that will hopefully convince more streaming series to take a punt on slashers soon.
Wreck is streaming now on BBC iPlayer and screens weekly on BBC Three.
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