Screamfest 2025 Review: “The Red Mask” – A Formulaic Slasher!

There are only so many ways to kill in a home invasion slasher film, utilizing the tropes audiences want to see and trying to be its own thing. For any horror writer it is a difficult balance of wanting to stay true to what audiences love and are “comforted” by while also aiming to create a story that is pleasing to themselves and their art.

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This is the task that Allina (Helena Howard) is faced with as she is hired to write the remake of the iconic 80s horror slasher The Red Mask. After being hired and ripped to shreds by the internet, upset that she will probably write a “woke remake” Allina is stuck between her own passion for creating a solid remake and wanting to please the studio and audience with all of the elements of the original. The Red Mask explores the modern discussion of films being remade to adhere to a modern culture but falters slightly in its execution to be a standout entry.

​It can be difficult to point out the shortcomings of a genre, specifically remade versions of films, because it lays it out in a way that is easy for audiences to see. As a result, overcoming these faults, or not, makes it stick out like a sore thumb. The Red Mask takes a risk by exploring its ideas on elevating slashers and making them smart, knowing the film must live up to everything it is putting forth.

At times the film does this in its details but holistically it remains too attached to the conventions it is trying to move away from. However, in its examination of this, audience members looking for “the best parts” of a slasher will be satisfied for its diabolical kills and final girl elements. It almost feels meta in how the film discussed the two sides of horror fan bases including the ones who like seeing the same thing every time and those who want something new. As the film plays out it strives to push the boundary but struggles to decide which side it is dedicated to, feeling a little disjointed.

The strongest part of The Red Mask is in the film’s setup as it outlines the story it is trying to tell focusing on a young screenwriter with the largest of challenges to overcome. It amps up the expectations for the film being fully aware and telling its audience the pitfalls it does not wish to succumb to and the aspirations it has going forward. In this, the film felt fresh in its approach.

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Where the film began to deviate into classic territory was in its payoff once the killings got going. The film heightened itself up and unfortunately did not meet the expectations Allina had for her own film, possibly because The Red Mask had the same internal battle, make a slasher with the kills fans want to see, or deliver a whole new side. As a result, The Red Mask is a good time for those looking for exactly what they want but may falter with fans looking for much more.

‘The Red Mask’ Rating – 2.5/5