Slashers are making a strong comeback after being pushed aside in the horror genre for many years. Horror movies have recently focused more on deep themes and serious storytelling, but slasher films have started gaining popularity again.
The success of movies like the Terrifier trilogy has helped bring them back into the spotlight. There has also been a return of mystery-driven slashers, where a masked killer goes after victims while the audience tries to figure out their identity. Movies like Thanksgiving in 2023 and the upcoming Heart Eyes are great examples of this trend.
When a specific type of movie becomes popular, many filmmakers try to copy that success. This means there will be plenty of similar movies in the coming years. However, one particular slasher has been overlooked despite being released in the middle of this trend. That movie is Founders Day, and it deserves more recognition.
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Founders Day Had a Tough Start but Deserves a Second Chance
Founders Day was written and produced by brothers Erik and Carson Bloomquist, with Erik also directing. The movie was released in January 2024, just a few weeks after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, it received mostly negative reviews, and many people ignored it.
However, if you take the time to watch it, you may find it much better than its reputation suggests. It is a holiday-themed slasher that deserves to be mentioned alongside Thanksgiving and Heart Eyes.
The movie also offers something that most slashers do not—an unexpected ending that ties perfectly into its political themes. While most slashers follow a predictable formula, Founders Day dares to be different.
The Story of Founders Day
The plot of Founders Day shares similarities with another recent horror film, It’s a Wonderful Knife, which was released in 2023. That movie focused on a mayoral election while mixing in horror elements inspired by It’s a Wonderful Life. Founders Day also revolves around a mayoral election in the small town of Fairwood, New England.
As the town prepares for the election, a masked killer begins attacking people. The victims include political candidates and others connected to the event. This setup follows the familiar structure of mystery slashers, where the killer’s identity must be revealed to stop the bloodshed.
The movie’s release date was not ideal. It hit theaters on January 19, 2024, just two months after Thanksgiving was released. Even though Founders Day was shown at festivals before Thanksgiving came out, many viewers saw it as an unoriginal imitation.
Because of this, it was mostly ignored in its limited release. That is unfortunate because, despite some stylistic similarities, Founders Day has its own unique story and message.
The Masked Killer in Founders Day Is Genuinely Scary
For a slasher movie to work, it needs two things: a terrifying villain and a strong protagonist, often known as the “final girl.” Founders Day delivers on both of these elements.
The final girl in this movie is Allison Chambers, played by Naomi Grace. She stands out because she does not fit the usual horror movie stereotypes. Unlike many past horror movies where Black characters die early, Allison survives and fights back. She is also in a same-sex relationship, which is another departure from the traditional final girl formula.
Usually, the final girl has a boyfriend who tries to protect her before he is eventually killed. Allison does not rely on any man to save her. While her race and sexuality are not the main focus of the story, her role as the hero adds to the film’s political undertones.
The killer, known as “The Judge,” is equally fascinating. They wear a judge’s robe, a mask with a sinister grin, and a judge’s wig. Their costume makes it clear that they see themselves as someone delivering judgment. Their weapon is also unusual—a judge’s gavel with a hidden blade inside. This allows them to both strike and stab their victims at the same time.
The movie’s tagline, “Change is here,” hints at a deeper meaning behind the killer’s actions. Unlike many other slashers where the murderer is seeking revenge for a past event, Founders Day tells a different kind of story. This is not about revenge; it is about taking control.
Founders Day Balances Horror With a Political Message
Many horror films have underlying themes or messages, even if the filmmakers do not always intend them. Damien Leone, the creator of the Terrifier movies, recently claimed that his films do not have deeper meanings. However, fans and critics have pointed out that every film reflects certain ideas and themes, even if unintentionally.
The same applies to Founders Day. The movie does not force its political themes on the audience, but they are still present. Just like Thanksgiving included a commentary on consumer culture and Heart Eyes shows ideas about romance, Founders Day uses its story to reflect on politics. The Judge’s motivations are tied to the election, making their actions more than just random killings.
Despite these deeper themes, the film does not feel overly preachy. It remains an entertaining slasher with plenty of suspense and action. However, some flaws hold it back from being a top-tier horror film. The second act slows down too much, making certain parts of the movie feel dull.
Some performances also feel a bit awkward. However, fans of ’90s television may enjoy seeing William Russ, who played the father on Boy Meets World, in a significant supporting role as a teacher.
Founders Day Surprises Viewers With an Unpredictable Ending
Most slasher films follow a predictable pattern. The final girl usually defeats the killer, who either dies or manages to survive for a possible sequel. Founders Day does not follow this formula.
The movie includes multiple twists, which may feel excessive to some viewers. However, if you stay engaged, everything leads to a final act that breaks traditional horror expectations. The ending is not what you would expect, and it leaves a lasting impression.
Instead of a simple hero-versus-villain climax, the movie takes a more tragic and thought-provoking turn. While it may not work for everyone, it forces the audience to reflect on modern society long after the credits roll. This level of depth is rare in slasher films, making Founders Day stand out from the rest.
Even though it struggled with poor reviews and limited attention, Founders Day is a film that horror fans should not overlook. It may not be perfect, but it offers a fresh take on the slasher genre with a unique story, a terrifying villain, and an ending that challenges expectations.
