By Mark Young
Horror comedies are, for me, some of the hardest films to get right. I’ll always defer to Evil Dead II as one of the pinnacles of the form, and if you’re using that as a benchmark, most films will inevitably fall short. Of course, it’s all down to personal taste — so what do I know?
The synopsis here is well worn: a failed marriage proposal, viral humiliation, and a best friend offering Karl a way to get back on an even keel via the renovation of a recently vacated cabin. In the woods, naturally. But let’s be honest — if things went to plan, we wouldn’t be watching.
So far, so familiar.
What the hapless pair don’t know is that this cabin also happens to be a gateway to another dimension, and Meemaw was attempting to close it just before she shuffled off this mortal coil. The setup follows a fairly standard path for films of this kind: introductions, drinking, character sketches delivered efficiently enough to get us to the main event. You know the gears are going to shift, and that things are about to escalate.
The Meemaw introduction is genuinely funny, although the film doesn’t quite capitalise on that momentum, pausing instead for a chunk of additional exposition. Given how the central duo are shaping up, it’s clear early on that their plan isn’t going to be a complete success.
In terms of execution, the effects look particularly good, and the film is tidy and easygoing in its presentation. Hank (Thomas Lennon), acting like a possessed butler, is a standout — he does a lot with his limited screen time and steals every scene he’s in. Karl and Miles are handled with the right tone, with Clay Elliot and Cameron Fife striking a solid balance between competence and chaos.
You’ll probably spot where this is heading before it gets there, but that shouldn’t deter you. Weekend At The End Of The World knows its lane and sticks to it. It doesn’t go for broke like the Evil Dead, instead it knows where it want to go, and instead just plays out in the way they want to. Seek this out on all good streaming services because it’s a decent flick.
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