Film Review: "Sick"
Anytime Kevin Williamson takes on writing duties for a horror film, there is cause for celebration. Responsible for some of my favorites in the history of the genre—including the Scream franchise, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Faculty, and Cursed—Williamson’s name amongst the credits for any project warrants attention. His latest script, co-written by Katelyn Crabb, delivers big on one major feature prevalent in many 90s greats: chase scenes. In fact, Sick takes it one step further by essentially evolving into one massive chase, courtesy of a foreboding stalk-and-slash murderer. Directed by John Hyams (2020’s Alone), Sick wrings every ounce of tension from a visceral, effective script. Essentially a thriller fan’s wet dream, the sheer intensity and nail-biting madness of its finest moments will shake any casual viewer to their core.
Remember back in April of 2020, when COVID-19 forced the entire U.S. population to effectively quarantine in their homes? How about the constant need to wear masks, sanitize not only hands but also items fetched from the supermarket, or the obsessive paranoia that literally anyone around could spread the virus? Just in case this period has been swept under the rug of one’s mind, Sick arrives to reopen the wounds of trauma. The film begins innocently enough, as Tyler (Joel Courtney, The Empty Man, The Kissing Booth) is out doing some grocery shopping. Creepy incoming texts from an unknown number definitely evoke the Scream series. Someone inquires if Tyler wants to party, with one major caveat—“will only play if you’re Covid safe.” Before he heads home, Tyler then gets sent a photo proclaiming he has a “nice ass”—this mysterious person has literally snapped a pic from the checkout line!