Finn Wolfhard has made waves with his directorial debut in the horror-comedy Hell of a Summer, which is now set for a digital release. Best known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the acclaimed series Stranger Things, Wolfhard has also appeared in notable films such as It, It Chapter Two, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. In partnership with Billy Bryk, he co-wrote and directed Hell of a Summer, a film that tells the chilling tale of summer camp counselors being hunted by a masked assailant.
Following its theatrical premiere on April 4, the film has officially been slated for digital purchase and rental starting tomorrow, April 22. Additionally, fans can look forward to its Blu-ray and DVD release on July 8. All formats will include a variety of special features—such as feature commentary with Wolfhard, Bryk, and Fred Hechinger, a blooper reel, and an engaging fireside chat.
Given Neon’s exclusive streaming arrangement with Hulu, it’s anticipated that Hell of a Summer will soon be available for streaming on the platform, expanding its potential audience reach.
Implications of Hell of a Summer’s Digital Release
Possibilities for Audience Expansion
Having first appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, Hell of a Summer experienced challenges in securing a theatrical run, attributed to the young age and inexperience of Wolfhard and Bryk. After a limited theatrical release by Neon in April, the film faced tough competition, notably from the blockbuster A Minecraft Movie and failed to make a significant box office impact. Reportedly, it only just covered its modest production budget of $3 million, earning around $3.1 million.
Critics have expressed mixed sentiments about the film, praising its inventive elements while noting areas for improvement. Some reviews, however, have been more critical; for instance, ScreenRant’s Mary Kassel described it as “a missable addition to the slasher genre,” criticizing its reliance on nostalgia and outdated humor. This has resulted in an underwhelming 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a polarized reception.
Analysis of Hell of a Summer’s Digital Launch
Consider Waiting for the Hulu Release
Despite its initial buzz from the TIFF premiere and Wolfhard’s existing fan base, Hell of a Summer has not demonstrated sufficient critical or commercial success to thrive in the competitive home video market. Its relatively low budget, coupled with modest box office results and a mixed critical assessment, places it in a niche category. Consequently, casual viewers may find it more advantageous to wait until the film is available for streaming on Hulu to gauge its merits.
Source: Neon