PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Slugs (also known as Slugs, Slimy Death) is a 1988 horror film directed by Juan Piquer Simón, known for his work in the horror and science fiction genres. The movie is based on the 1982 novel Slugs by Shaun Hutson. Now, admittedly, I have not read that novel, but I have read that it contains captivating lines like: “The noise made Kim want to cover her ears, reminding her, as it did, of diarhoettic excretion.” Poetry!
(Funny. This trailer says, “Whatever you do, don’t make out while your parents aren’t home.” It made me think: “Hmm, are they saying we should only make out when they *are* home?”)
Cast:
Michael Garfield as Mike Brady
Kim Terry as Kim Brady
Philip MacHale as Don Palmer
Alicia Moro as Maureen Watson
As one might expect, Slugs follows the story of a small town that becomes infested with mutated, carnivorous slugs, leading to gruesome deaths and widespread panic. And why not? I, for one, welcome our new slug overlords! It is also true that, under the right (or wrong) circumstances, even slugs can be dangerous (it’s a good idea not to eat them, even on a dare, as this news story attests).
Plot of Slugs
The film is set in a small American town where people start dying in horrific ways, and the local health inspector, Mike Brady, discovers that the deaths are caused by flesh-eating slugs. These slugs have mutated due to toxic waste pollution and have developed a voracious appetite for human flesh. As the death toll rises, Brady, along with his wife and a few allies, tries to find a way to stop the deadly creatures before the entire town is overrun. That’s about it, folks! Do you really need much more than that?
Notable Elements of Slugs (Slug Parts)
The film is particularly noted for its practical special effects, which are used to depict the gruesome and gory deaths caused by the slugs, with plenty of grittiness and grime. These effects contribute significantly to the horror and shock value of the movie…well, to the extent a viewer isn’t jaded by gore-centric fare.
There’s also something to be said about the direction and style of slugs, because it’s not the worst horror flick of all time. Juan Piquer Simón’s direction combines elements of B-movie horror with a campy, over-the-top approach that has made the film a cult classic. His use of suspense and graphic violence potentially creates a unique viewing experience…though I don’t want to make this movie sound like it’s pure genius. You probably won’t leave Slugs thinking “Wow! I never thought of life like that! Y’know? Those slugs have me seeing life totally differently now!”
Nope. The slugs kill people, and any other living things they can get their little slug teeth on.
Well, okay, I will be a little more fair here. Ostensibly, one might say Slugs explores themes of environmental pollution and its unintended consequences, echoing concerns about toxic waste and its impact on nature and human life. Still, you probably won’t see this film cited in that many environmental studies. Over time, Slugs has gained a cult following, particularly among fans of 1980s horror cinema. Then again, that almost goes without saying.
Slugs Facts
Slugs was produced on a relatively low budget, which is typical for many horror films of the era, but it managed to achieve a significant impact through its imaginative use of practical effects.
The film’s success in the horror community has led to its continued popularity on home video and streaming platforms.
Final Verdict
Slugs stands out as a memorable entry in the horror genre of the late 1980s, combining environmental horror with graphic, visceral effects that leave a lasting impression on its audience. In fact, the lasting impression might be compared to that slimy residue trail left behind by slugs themselves. Gross!
Slugs is available to rent and own on digital platforms and is streaming free with ads on Tubi.
