Movies: Slice (2025) by Nick Iway, Dustin Mills, and Austin Shell: A Chilling Horror Anthology

A Tale of Desperation and Dehumanization Slice is a 2025 independent horror anthology film directed by Nick Iway, Dustin Mills, and Austin Shell. The movie is built around a framing device where a shocking story is shared at a sobriety meeting, which then leads to several unsettling tales. The central theme of the anthology is a dark and bizarre exploration of men who have given up their "manhood" for things like drugs or fame. The film is a non-traditional horror movie that relies on psychological tension, body horror, and a deeply unsettling atmosphere rather than overt gore.

Why to watch this movie: A Fresh Take on Horror This film is a compelling watch for horror fans looking for a more cerebral and unnerving experience.

• Unique Concept: The film's premise is both original and deeply disturbing. The idea of men trading a part of themselves for their darkest desires is a powerful metaphor for the destructive nature of addiction and ambition.

• Psychological and Body Horror: Instead of relying on jump scares, the film creates a sense of dread through its focus on psychological manipulation and the physical violation of the human body. It is "creepy in ways that you never expected," as one user review states.

• Anthology Format: The short-film structure allows the directors to explore different styles and stories while being unified by a common, unsettling theme. This variety keeps the film fresh and unpredictable.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/slice-2025 (US)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30290914/

About movie: https://www.chetturnerfilms.com/

What Trend is followed?: The 'Psychological Horror Anthology' Slice is a part of the growing trend of horror anthologies that prioritize psychological and emotional terror over gratuitous violence.

• Smart Horror: This trend, often referred to as "elevated horror," focuses on using the genre to explore complex themes and societal anxieties. Instead of just scaring the audience, these films aim to make them think and feel disturbed on a deeper level.

• The Body as a Site of Fear: The film's use of body horror—the intentional showcase of grotesque or psychologically disturbing violations of the human body—is a key element of this trend. It taps into primal anxieties about physical vulnerability and loss of control.

Director's Vision: The Darkness Within The directors, Nick Iway, Dustin Mills, and Austin Shell, share a vision of exploring the darker aspects of human nature without relying on traditional horror tropes.

• Subtext over Gore: As noted in reviews, the film emphasizes subtext, using themes of "addiction and manipulation" to build tension. The directors are more interested in what lies beneath the surface of their characters' actions.

• Atmosphere and Style: The directors use pacing and lighting to create a continuous sense of tension and unease. Each story is given its own style, but they are all connected by a shared, darkly unsettling aesthetic.

Themes: Addiction, Dehumanization, and Moral Compromise The film's central conceit allows for a deep dive into several powerful themes.

• The Seduction of Addiction: The film portrays addiction not just as a physical dependence but as a moral compromise. The characters are willing to go to extreme and horrifying lengths to satisfy their cravings, whether for drugs, fame, or acceptance.

• The Price of Ambition: The film examines the lengths to which people will go to achieve success, whether in the drug world or the music industry. The stories serve as cautionary tales about sacrificing one's integrity—and even one's body—for a fleeting moment of glory.

• Loss of Identity: The act of "giving up their manhood" is a powerful metaphor for the loss of self that comes with extreme addiction or joining a cult. The characters become unrecognizable to themselves and others, stripped of their former identities.

Key success factors: Low-Budget Creativity and Strong Acting The film's success is a result of its ability to maximize a small budget through creative storytelling and dedicated performances.

• Independent Filmmaking at its Best: With a reported budget of only $40,000, the film's success is a testament to the power of a strong concept and a clear artistic vision. It proves that you don't need a massive budget to make a truly terrifying horror film.

• Dedicated Performances: Reviews have praised the "very solid" acting, particularly singling out Dave Parker's "extraordinary performance." The actors' commitment to the unsettling material helps to ground the more bizarre elements of the film.

Awards and Nominations: Recognition in the Indie Circuit Slice has garnered a total of 3 wins and 1 nomination from various film festivals, highlighting its success within the independent film world.

Critics Reception: A Unique Horror Vision The single critic review found for the film on IMDb is a highly positive one from a user who praises its "dark, edgy, and sometimes brutal" vision. The reviewer also notes that the film "deals with themes of masculinity that are explored from creative and daring perspectives." The review highlights that the film's greatest strength is its ability to avoid easy categorization, making it a "daring, bold, and different" viewing experience.

Reviews: Positive and Unsettling The user reviews on IMDb are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 7.1 out of 10. Viewers consistently praise the film for its originality and its psychological depth.

• User Reviews (general sentiment): Reviewers found the film to be "sick, twisted, and fun," while also acknowledging its "creepy in ways that you never expected." They appreciated that the horror came from "the self mutilation" and "the damage to their psyche" rather than traditional gore.

• User Review from 'imdbfan-6821298664': This user highlights the film's structure, noting that the three short films are "tied together" by a common theme and that the film's non-traditional approach is a welcome change from standard horror movies.

What Movie Trend film is following: The 'DIY Aesthetic' The film follows the trend of independent filmmakers using a "DIY" aesthetic. This style is often born out of necessity—a small budget—but becomes a creative choice that adds to the film's authenticity and grittiness. The film's "non-traditional" feel and its use of a small cast and limited locations are all hallmarks of this trend.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Opioid Crisis and Addiction The film taps into the major social issue of the opioid crisis and the widespread problem of addiction. It portrays the desperation that comes with substance abuse, and it's a commentary on how a person can lose their humanity in the pursuit of their next fix. The film's unsettling portrayal of addiction as a form of self-mutilation is a stark and powerful reflection of this social crisis.

Final Verdict: A Disturbing and Original Indie Horror Film Slice is an original and genuinely disturbing horror anthology that showcases the creative potential of low-budget independent cinema. It's a film that will resonate with viewers who prefer their horror to be more psychological and visceral than gory. By tackling a variety of dark themes, from addiction to the quest for fame, the film is a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience that confirms its directors as unique voices in the horror genre.