The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) is a cult-classic slasher film directed by Amy Holden Jones and written by feminist author Rita Mae Brown. Originally conceived as a parody of the slasher genre, the film blends horror and dark humor, though much of its satirical edge is subdued in favor of conventional scares.
The story begins with Trish Devereaux, a high school senior, who decides to throw a slumber party at her house while her parents are away. She invites her friends, including Kim, Jackie, and Diane. Meanwhile, a mysterious killer named Russ Thorn, an escaped murderer armed with a power drill, begins stalking the neighborhood.
Unbeknownst to the girls, Thorn has already started his killing spree, targeting people nearby, including a repairwoman and a young neighbor. As the party gets underway, Trish’s shy new neighbor, Valerie, declines the invitation but keeps an eye on the festivities from her home. Valerie’s younger sister, Courtney, also plays a minor but amusing role, adding to the film’s blend of terror and humor.
As the night progresses, Thorn infiltrates the slumber party, killing the girls’ friends and boyfriends who drop by uninvited. The carnage escalates in typical slasher style, with gruesome murders and moments of suspense. Meanwhile, Valerie, sensing something is wrong, ventures over to check on the group.
The climax pits the surviving girls against Thorn. Valerie and Courtney join forces with Trish to fight back. Using their wits and whatever tools they can find, they ultimately overpower and kill the killer in a bloody showdown.
The movie is a blend of straightforward slasher tropes and subtle subversions. It is often noted for its use of a male killer wielding a phallic weapon (the power drill), symbolizing the film’s commentary on gender and violence. While the movie features gratuitous nudity and gore, typical of the genre, it also offers moments of self-awareness, hinting at its satirical roots.
The Slumber Party Massacre stands out for being written and directed by women, offering a unique lens on a genre typically dominated by male creators. Despite its low-budget production and campy execution, it has earned a cult following for its blend of horror, humor, and feminist undertones.
