A 1980s cult classic is rebirthed in this gloriously anarchic retooling of J. Michael Munro’s Street Trash. Following the fallout after a toxic batch of alcoholic beverages is accidentally sold to the local hobo community, the 1987 comedy-horror became notorious for its grotesque visual effects and savage, out-to-offend-all social commentary. Three decades later, director Ryan Kruger helms this bold re-imagining of the film – bringing with him the same sense of low-fi lunacy he originally kicked the door in with for 2020’s Fried Barry. It’s a good fit.
Kruger’s Street Trash follows a similar theme to the original film; the unhoused community are melting into puddles of multicoloured goo after being targeted by a lethal toxin. But in this case, it’s a sinister conspiracy by the scheming mayor to rid the streets of those he would deem to be undesirable. Led by Ronald (Sean Cameron Michael) a small group of misfits (including Fried Barry himself, Gary Green) attempts to fight back, leading a revolution of freaks and geeks against the capitalist overlords. It feels odd to describe any version of Street Trash as being in ‘good taste’ as though that’s a positive thing, but the film offers a more empathetic, good-natured version of the story, punching up instead of down and making clear who the real ‘trash’ is here (melt the rich!)
Those hoping for the same sense of punk rock splatter that Street Trash ’87 possessed may be disappointed by the film’s more gentle tone, but good and bad melt just the same, whichever side of the capitalist fence you sit on. Swapping ’80s New York for a futuristic Cape Town, South Africa, Kruger’s spiritual sequel confidently treads its own path. There’s a feeling that Kruger is more interested in the updated social commentary and colourful cast of weirdos than the ostentatious gore making (as fun as that is) and the charmingly grubby performances stand out in a way that makes the change of tack work.
Still, those looking to Street Trash for the many varieties of psychedelic gore and kaleidoscopic gunge won’t be disappointed either. The show-stopping practical effects remain faithful to the spirit of the original film – even if its more unsavoury flavours may have been diluted with a surprising shot of sweetness. It’s an inspired new take on Street Trash with a personality and body politic all of its own.
STREET TRASH is out now on digital in the United States.
