Movie Review: Street Trash

by

This movie is a wild, colorful, and knowingly over-the-top remake that will likely become a favorite for fans of cult classics – what some dismiss as garbage, others will adore.

This new take on the 1987 cult film Street Trash is set in a gritty, futuristic Cape Town. Director Ryan Kruger, known for the bizarre Fried Barry, brings his unique style to this reboot. While still a sci-fi horror-comedy, this version leans into a dark, underground vibe and is clearly having fun with its over-the-top gore. True to its name, it’s a low-budget horror film that embraces its own deliberately “trashy” look and feel.

This film follows Ronald, a homeless man, and his group as they fight against a cruel mayor who wants to eliminate the city’s homeless population. When they discover the mayor is using a dangerous gas to harm people, Ronald rallies the homeless – with some help from local toughs – to stop this deadly plan. Set in a futuristic Cape Town with a strong 1980s feel, the movie offers a sharp critique of social issues.

Cape Town, with its unfortunately visible issues of homelessness, provides a stark and unsettling setting for this futuristic horror film. The movie relies heavily on graphic violence and body horror – characters are literally reduced to glowing, melting remains. Fans of the original film will appreciate this continuation of its creatively gruesome and distinctive style.

The film’s bright, bold colors and deliberately over-the-top visuals work surprisingly well, adding to its unique, cult-like atmosphere and dark humor. These stylistic choices are shown frequently throughout the movie. Cleverly, the distinctive look helps make the most of a limited budget, creating a raw and realistic feel for both the actors and settings without relying on flashy special effects.

“Let’s take over the world…”

What really makes this movie work are the actors. Sean Cameron Michael is fantastic as Ronald – I’d seen him in Fried Barry and he brings that same kind of intense, unpredictable energy to this role, and it really holds the film together. Donna Cormack-Thomson, playing Alex, is wonderful too; she provides a much-needed emotional core, and the connection she builds with Cameron Michael feels like a genuine father-daughter relationship. Sometimes the dialogue feels a little heavy-handed when it’s trying to be dramatic, but honestly, their chemistry is a standout element.

While the supporting characters don’t heavily drive the plot, they enrich the story with personality, humor, and a lively team atmosphere. Kruger notably voices a crude but funny blue creature, playing into the production’s playful, self-aware humor, and actors like Lloyd Martinez Newkirk, Shuraigh Meyer, Gary Green, and the late Joe Vaz contribute to the comedic energy. Warrick Grier and Andrew Roux are delightfully despicable villains, and it’s always great to see familiar faces like Carel Nel, Suraya Rose Santos, and the late Jonathan Pienaar in smaller roles.

Street Trash is a relentlessly energetic horror film that’s fun precisely because of its over-the-top gore and chaotic energy. It’s a unique and passionate movie, and you can really feel the director’s commitment to their bizarre vision. While it shares some of the gritty, urban feel of films like Chappie, it’s occasionally held back by an inconsistent mood, a lack of endearing qualities, and unnecessary crudeness. The weak plot, shallow characters, and awkward scenes sometimes make the film feel disjointed and messy. Despite these flaws, it’s a loving tribute to the over-the-top horror of the 1980s and will likely appeal to fans of the genre.

The bottom line: Twisted

Read More

2026-02-12 15:43