By Mohammed Al Habob 
Ryan Kruger’s “Street Trash” reimagines the 1987 splatter classic with a modern twist, setting it in a dystopian future Cape Town. The film follows Ronald, a graying thief, and heavy drug user, and his associates as they uncover a conspiracy led by the city’s corrupt mayor to eliminate the homeless population using a gas codenamed “V”. This gas turns people into abstract heaps of candy-colored tubes and limbs, echoing the original film’s grotesque visuals.
While the film attempts to deliver a strong anti-capitalist message, critics argue that it struggles to balance its social commentary with the over-the-top gore and humor. The movie’s tone is described as kinder and gentler compared to the original, but this shift has led to mixed reviews. Some praise the film’s attempt to add depth and meaning, while others feel it detracts from the cheap thrills that define splatter cinema.
The performances, particularly Donna Cormack-Thomson as Alex, inject a sense of humanity into the film’s filth and chaos. Her character’s tragic backstory and relationship with Ronald add emotional weight to the story. However, the film’s heavy focus on story and characters is seen as an impediment to the visceral excitement expected from a splatter movie.
Despite its ambitious goals, “Street Trash” is criticized for leaving too much “low-hanging fruit” on the vine, failing to fully capitalize on its lurid reputation. The film’s attempt to address issues like militarized policing and lithium mining is overshadowed by its reliance on dick jokes and arterial spray.
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