Black Friday
Movie Trailer
Release Date
November 19, 2021
Genre
Horror, Comedy
Cast & Crew
- Devon Sawa as Ken
- Bruce Campbell as Jonathan Wexler
- Ivana Baquero as Marnie
- Michael Jai White as Archie
- Ryan Lee as Chris
- Stephen Peck as Brian
- Ellen Colton as Ruth
Director
Casey Tebo
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Happy Birthday (2016)
Producer
Bruce Campbell, Warner Davis, Dan Kaplow, Casey Tebo
Writer
Andy Greskoviak
Budget
Estimated $5 million
Production Company
MFW Manufacturing, The Warner Davis Company
Running Time
84 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R (for bloody violence and gore, and language throughout)
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Graphic violence
- Gore
- Horror themes
Movie Story
“Black Friday” is a horror-comedy that takes place on the most chaotic shopping day of the year—Black Friday. The story follows a group of disgruntled toy store employees who are gearing up for the expected madness of the holiday shopping season. Led by the weary store manager, Jonathan Wexler (Bruce Campbell), the employees include Ken (Devon Sawa), a veteran of the retail grind; Marnie (Ivana Baquero), a resourceful and determined worker; and Archie (Michael Jai White), the store’s security guard.
As the doors open and hordes of customers rush in, something far more sinister than frantic shoppers begins to unfold. A parasitic alien organism has infected the shoppers, turning them into bloodthirsty monsters. The infection spreads rapidly, transforming the once-docile customers into savage creatures intent on destroying everything in their path.
Trapped inside the store, the employees must band together to survive the night and fend off the monstrous horde. As they fight for their lives, the group discovers that the infection may not be limited to their store—it could be spreading across the country.
“Black Friday” combines elements of horror and dark humor, poking fun at the madness of consumer culture while delivering gruesome and action-packed scenes. The film features over-the-top gore, creative kills, and witty banter among the characters as they navigate their way through the chaos.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Black Friday” are a mix of practical effects and CGI, with a focus on creating the grotesque and monstrous transformations of the infected shoppers. The film’s makeup and effects team put a lot of effort into designing the creature effects, which are both gruesome and comedic in their exaggerated horror. The action sequences are fast-paced and bloody, adding to the film’s campy, B-movie charm.
Box Office Performance
“Black Friday” had a limited theatrical release and was also made available on video on demand (VOD) platforms. The film found its audience primarily among horror-comedy enthusiasts and fans of Bruce Campbell, who is known for his roles in similar genre films like the Evil Dead series. While the film did not achieve significant box office success, it garnered a cult following for its blend of horror and humor.
Filming Locations
- Massachusetts, USA
Notable Quotes
- “This is exactly why I avoid Black Friday.” – Ken
- “We’re not just dealing with customers anymore. We’re dealing with monsters.” – Jonathan Wexler
Behind-the-Scenes
“Black Friday” was directed by Casey Tebo, who aimed to create a fun and gory tribute to classic horror-comedies. The film’s cast includes genre veteran Bruce Campbell, whose presence brings a sense of nostalgia and familiarity to the film’s tone. The filmmakers wanted to capture the absurdity of Black Friday shopping while infusing it with horror elements, resulting in a film that balances scares with laughs.
Awards
- None
Final Verdict
“Black Friday” is a fun, gory romp that horror-comedy fans are sure to enjoy. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, embracing the campy and over-the-top nature of its premise. The film’s blend of retail satire and monster mayhem makes for an entertaining, if not particularly deep, viewing experience. Bruce Campbell delivers his trademark wit and charm, making the film a must-watch for fans of his work. Overall, “Black Friday” is a lighthearted and bloody good time, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of humor and horror.
IMDb Rating
4.7/10