Ryan Kruger, director of “Fried Barry,” is breathing new life into the beloved cult horror film “Street Trash,” transporting the story from Brooklyn's gritty streets to the stark wealth divide of modern Cape Town, South Africa. The remake, shot entirely on 35mm film, follows a group of homeless individuals fighting for survival after discovering a sinister plot to eliminate the city's unhoused population.
The original 1987 film, directed by J. Michael Muro, gained notoriety for its darkly comedic approach and practical effects-driven gore. This new version aims to maintain the original's shocking practical effects while incorporating timely social commentary about wealth inequality and systemic violence.
The project brings together an impressive production team, including original “Street Trash” producer Roy Frumkes and director Jim Muro as executive producers. The film is produced by Justin Martell and Matt Manjourides of Not the Funeral Home, known for “The Last Drive-In With Joe Bob Briggs,” with additional backing from Bad Dragon and Vinegar Syndrome.
Kruger emphasizes the film's character-driven approach, promising a diverse ensemble cast navigating Cape Town's hostile environment. The trailer, which recently debuted, showcases the film's practical effects and has already earned praise from notable genre directors like Neil Marshall (“Dog Soldiers,” “The Descent”), who called it “demented gory fun.”
The SCREAMBOX Original will release on both SCREAMBOX and VOD platforms next month, offering horror fans a fresh take on a genre classic while addressing contemporary social issues.
The decision to relocate this story to South Africa appears inspired, as it allows the remake to explore wealth inequality through a fresh lens while maintaining the original's shocking practical effects. The involvement of the original creative team alongside new voices suggests a thoughtful balance between honoring the 1987 film and creating something distinct. The choice to shoot on 35mm film demonstrates a commitment to capturing the tangible, gritty aesthetic that made the original memorable.
How do you feel about horror films using extreme gore and practical effects to deliver social commentary? Does this approach make the message more impactful or potentially overshadow it?
