This Ferry Tale Won’t End Happily Ever After

Read Time:4 Minute, 34 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Screamboat
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Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Steven LaMorte
Writer(s): Matthew Garcia-Dunn, Steven LaMorte
Cast: David Howard Thornton, Jesse Kove, Jesse Posey, Charles Edwin Powell, Amy Schumacher, Jarlath Conroy, Allison Pittel, Jarod Lindsey, Rumi C. Jean-Louis
Where to Watch: available on VOD, DVD, and Blu-ray on May 2, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: Horror-comedy hybrids are a tricky balancing act, yet SCREAMBOAT tackled these turbulent waters effortlessly, mixing nostalgia with gore in an entertaining twist on a classic. Directed by Steven LaMorte, this eccentric horror romp isn't shy about its intent: delivering wild, satirical, and often hilarious chaos. From its outlandish premise to merrily executed mayhem, the film ensures that viewers will leave grinning after being strapped in for a goofy yet blood-soaked adventure.

The story follows a group of passengers embarking on what is a simple nighttime ferry ride. Of course, things quickly take a turn for the worse, transforming an ordinary trip into a gruesome showdown. Among the cast is Selena, a fashion designer grappling with existential dread and her uncertain future, who is complemented by Pete, a modest ferry deckhand, who becomes her reluctant ally. The ferry hosts a lively group of costumed princesses, all thinly veiled spoofs of familiar animated heroines, partying through the night without a hint of the horror awaiting them.

What sets SCREAMBOAT apart from many similar genre entries is its unabashed embrace of absurdity. David Howard Thornton, widely recognized from his iconic clown villain role as Art, trades face paint for fur and ears, portraying the film's miniature menace with expressive body language and a sinister smile. His physical comedy, mixed with genuinely unsettling moments, perfectly encapsulates the film's tone. This expressive approach delivers consistent laughs and tension simultaneously.

Thornton's lively performance helps carry the film through moments where the ambitious special effects push the limits of its budget. The practical effects deliver memorable scenes that echo classic horror cinema. While the CGI occasionally reveals its limitations, these moments are brief and ultimately overshadowed by the creativity and enthusiasm evident throughout.

One of SCREAMBOAT’s strongest assets is its setting—shot aboard an actual, retired Staten Island ferry. The authentic, cramped corridors and rusted interior genuinely enhance the film’s claustrophobic environment, maximizing tension and suspense. Director LaMorte takes full advantage of these eerie confines, providing ample opportunities for the tiny antagonist to sneak around unnoticed and spring upon unsuspecting victims.

Humor plays a pivotal role here, varying widely between neatly executed satire and deliberately juvenile comedy. The princess-themed party guests provide an ongoing stream of witty, self-aware gags. Some jokes play off the audience’s familiarity with the characters they mimic, blending subtle jabs with overt caricature.

SCREAMBOAT is delightfully upfront about what it sets out to be—a playful, no-frills thrill ride. Rather than bogging itself down with elaborate backstories, the script keeps things straightforward and lively, prioritizing laughs and scares over deeper emotional drama. While a bit more character depth might have added extra dimension, the streamlined approach keeps the film enjoyable and ensures the humor remains sharp and accessible. This decision helps the audience easily connect with the characters as entertaining participants in a wild scenario, rather than demanding more serious emotional investment.

LaMorte stands out by navigating the tricky blend of comedy and horror. His keen understanding of how to balance absurdity and scares ensures the film maintains a lively rhythm throughout. Even when the narrative momentarily slows, LaMorte's humorous direction and creative set pieces swiftly reignite momentum. This shouldn’t have come as a shock to me, as LaMorte’s film THE MEAN ONE was another of my favorites!

At its core, SCREAMBOAT is at its best when gleefully poking fun at itself and classic horror clichés alike. Embracing its B-movie roots without reservation, it delivers exactly what audiences want from a fun horror-comedy—a spirited combination of nostalgia, quirky creativity, and cheeky, dark humor. By fully committing to its silly and twisted premise, it crafts an experience that's refreshingly honest and genuinely entertaining, making for a memorable and laughter-filled horror escapade.

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[photo courtesy of FUZZ ON THE LENS PRODUCTIONS, KALI PICTURES, RECKLESS CONTENT, SLEIGHT OF HAND PRODUCTIONS]

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