Marshmallow takes a classic horror story and flips it on its head, adding Sci-Fi elements and big, bloody scares throughout.
There is nothing original about a horror movie taking place at a summer camp that gets going when the children start to be terrorized by an unknown killer. We have all seen that play out on screen time and time again. Marshmallow is able to break the mold, however, as it weaves in science fiction elements that will have viewers floored by the time the big twist comes around.
When camp counselors tell a spooky ghost story about a doctor who surgically combined his family to keep them with him forever, there is no surprise when the kids start to have nightmares. One kid in particular is deeply affected because he already suffers from nightmares. On top of that, he has to put up with bullies and has a hard time connecting with the other children.
The scares themselves start off predictable but then go more and more unhinged as the viewers start to learn more about the “doctor” that is stalking these kids. I love a good slasher, which is what I expected this movie to be, but Marshmallow is not that at all. It is an experience, to say the least, that gets stranger and stranger the longer it goes on.
The ensemble cast is made up of mostly young children and teens playing the camp kids and the camp counselors. They all work well together and bring something different and unique to the table. It is hard to talk about without spoiling anything, but Maxwell Whittington-Cooper stands out above the rest – mostly because of his role in all of this.
I am a big fan of the cinematography that was used to capture this film. As showcased in the still and in the poster that are featured in this review, the doctor wears a white surgical gown and has a bright light on his head. This causes the viewers and campers to have no idea about the identity – until the plot calls for it to be revealed, that is. This adds a thrilling suspense to many of the early scenes.
Of course, I am not going to dive into the details, but just know that I was so shocked when all was revealed that my jaw was quite literally on the floor, and I was smiling with glee. I never expected things to go in this direction, which is why it works extremely well. Let’s just say the ending has me begging for a sequel.
Marshmallow comes to theaters on April 11, and if you can check it out on the big screen, I highly recommend it because this is one you will want to watch with an audience.
About Marshmallow
When a once-fabled campfire tale becomes real, a group of campers uncover a profound secret that questions their very existence.
Marshmallow comes to theaters April 11.
