Film Carnage indicated the film is "playing by its own rules and embracing the b-movie vibe."[10] Film Purgatory suggested a complex addition to the genre, calling it a "B-movie with A-movie ideas."[11]1428 Elm noted slasher elements.[12]Film Threat said it matches the tone of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, "but with the energy of a stage play"[13] and About Boulder noted Butler's character resembles "Granny Leatherface."[14]
Some critics said the film centers around capitalism.
Capitalism
Jim McLennan at Film Blitz said the film "takes wild, swinging punches at everything from capitalism to pandemic response," noting "The apartment complex stands in for society in microcosm". He also acknowledged an expansion of ideas from Butler's previous screenplay Friend of the World, "while remaining an exercise in the world falling apart when subjected to external pressures."[15] Film critic Eddie Harrison suggested the film "aims to take down the American/capitalist dream in bloody, unpleasant fashion."[6]
Political satire
Olmos said it is a political film about "abuse of power and how power corrupts people and can turn neighbor against neighbor."[9] Voices from the Balcony praised the "hysterical, social and political commentary."[16] Film critic Sean Parker at 25YL claims it is "the absurd political satire we need now".[17] Anton Bitel at Projected Figures said, "Tony Olmos’ crude dystopian satire pits desperate tenants against a Trumpian lessor – and each other."[18] Film Carnage concluded, "It’s as if you merged satire with exploitation and created a strange kind of crooked comedy."[10]
Jim Morazzini at Voices from the Balcony gave it a 4 out of 5, saying they were "entertained and amused by this combination of crude humour and smart satire."[16] Rebecca Cherry at Film Carnage scored it 7 out of 10, stating it's "an interesting and unusual take on a number of current issues."[10] Stuart Monroe at Get On My Damn Level said the film is 3.5 out of 5 and "one mean mother of an absurdly surrealistic fairy tale."[23] Charlotte Spark at Morbidly Beautiful gave the film 3.5 out of 5, comparing it to Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, stating "it didn't fully resonate," but had "strong performances and quite a few laughs."[24] Sean Parker at 25YL drew comparisons to the Coen brothers and Shakespeare.[17]
I think it's more than just profanity that unsettles – it's the themes discussed, the pictures painted with the words. A worldview expressed that is truly despicable.
A review at Film Blitz scored it a B– calling it a "malevolent atrocity," comparing it to Tootsie and Monty Python's Flying Circus.[15] Eddie Harrison at film-authority scored it 3 out of 5 and said it is a gore film that is "a biting, scabrous, no-holds barred satire."[6] Norman Gidney at HorrorBuzz scored it 6 out of 10, calling it a "campy little indie nugget of joy."[25] Brian Fanelli at 1428 Elm said it has "heart, grit, laughs, and bloodshed" and is "for those who like something truly strange and unusual."[12]
Clotilde Chinnici at Loud and Clear Reviews praised Weinberger's performance and gave the film 2.5 out of 5, claiming it had "tense atmosphere" but that it "could have landed a lot better if its characters had been explored more."[26] The Independent Critic scored it 2 out of 4 and said it is "for those who appreciate the ballsier side of indie cinema."[27] Ryan Devir at Film Threat said it had "solid gore and impressive kills," but criticized the characters, dialogue and humor, scoring it 3.5 out of 10.[13]
