Slapface Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		3.5

Slapface Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 6, 2026

Horror films have a long history of addressing real world problems through the fantasy of fear. “Slapface” takes aim at the issue of bullying, with writer/director Jeremiah Kipp constructing a monster movie that touches on deep psychological situations of abandonment and isolation, following the lead character’s experience with a mysterious entity as he struggles to make sense of grief. “Slapface” is a low-budget production, often fighting against some visual ideas that don’t work, and performances aren’t always where they should be, but Kipp has an idea worth following in the feature, which does an effective job communicating abyssal pain and fear that’s starting to consume young minds, leaving them confused and exposed to an outside evil that works in strange ways.

In rural New York, young Lucas (August Maturo) lives with his older brother, Tom (Mike Manning), after their parents were killed in a car accident. Tom is an unwilling guardian, unsure how to deal with Lucas and his adolescent issues, preferring to settle sibling stress through games of Slapface, where the boys take turns violently smacking each other. Lucas is unable to handle mounting behavioral problems, often alone in the world, fighting to fit in with classmates, finding two twin sisters unrelentingly cruel to him, while Moirah (Mirabelle Lee), slowly accepts his romantic intentions, held back by her allegiance to the twins. Learning of a local legend concerning the witch Virago, Lucas decides to seek out the monster, inviting the creature into his life. While capable of immense violence, Virago proves to be a reliable companion for Lucas, helping him work through issues. While Tom refuses to understand what’s going on with his brother, his girlfriend, Anna (Libe Barer), is aware that something isn’t right, recognizing signs that Lucas is losing touch with reality.

Slapface is a potent visual. When we meet Tom and Lucas, they seem to be playing a brotherly game of pain, not an uncommon reality between siblings, but the viciousness of the match is revealed as the story unfolds, emerging as a twisted outlet for Tom’s troubles and a form of control. Information about the brothers is portioned out during “Slapface,” understanding their dire living situation, where Tom takes the parenting role against his will, forced to care for Lucas when he’d rather be out living his own life. Tom drowns his sorrows in booze, spending time at a local bar, where he meets Anna, who quickly matches with the stranger, embarking on a sexual relationship with a man who’s handsome and willing, but also details his problems, including his love for his late father’s gun, which represents adult masculinity he’s been unable to achieve on his own.

Virago isn’t hidden from view in “Slapface,” but it probably should be. The creature is a tall, thin being dressed in rags, with a face that resembles the witch mask from “Halloween III.” Kipps keeps the monster in shadows for the first half of the story, treating it as an enigmatic figure coming to life for Lucas, who offers a blood sacrifice to help resurrect his mother. Instead of his parent, he’s offered Virago, who starts to show signs of support and protection for Lucas, eventually becoming the only one around who cares about the child during this time of tremendous emotional need. Lucas is in a difficult position, facing brutality from Tom and rejection from his classmates, trying to connect with Moriah, who’s also afraid of peer rejection, watching her friends treat Lucas horribly. Kipp has his Big Idea in bullying, but Virago is often better heard than seen, finding the limited budget of “Slapface” unable to deliver a vivid demon/angel, keeping scenes with the visitor clunky, even when they possess strong thematic intent.

Slapface Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation (2.39:1 aspect ratio) for "Slapface" deals with a softly shot picture, but detail is passable a times, picking up on some skin particulars on monster makeup additions. Exteriors maintain depth, exploring forest areas and town tours. Interiors retain dimension. Color is acceptable, with autumnal hues secured, and costuming brings out more defined primaries, joining by bar lighting. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is passable with the movie's many shadowy moments. Compression issues are present, finding banding creeping into view. Posterization is also detected, and blockiness is periodic.

Slapface Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA offers clear dialogue exchanges, tracking argumentative moments and quieter emotional offerings with balance. Scoring supports with defined instrumentation. Musical moods explore surrounds for slightly more immersion, and atmospherics have their moments, capturing forest movement with mild panning effects. Low-end isn't challenged.

Slapface Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet features contributions from Phillip Escott and B.J. Colangelo.

• Commentary #1 features writer/director Jeremiah Kipp.

• Commentary #2 features writer/director Jeremiah Kipp and actors Mike Manning and August Maturo.

• Q&A (21:16, HD) collects interviews from writer/director Jeremiah Kipp, composer Barry J. Neely, and actors Dan Hedaya, August Maturo, Bianca and Chiara D'Ambrosio, Mike Manning, Libe Barer, Lukas Hassel, Alixx Schottland, Mirabella Lee, and Curtis Braly. Kipp shares the origin of the story, inspired by his love of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," embracing an opportunity to work with its themes and emotional moods. The interviewees explore what drew them to the project, working with New York shooting locations, and dramatic themes. The creative process is also highlighted, sharing anecdotes from the shoot and its technical challenges. An appreciation for Kipp is also provided, analyzing his on-set presence and love for actors. Neely joins the conversation, detailing aural and musical additions to "Slapface."

• "Feeling Something" (40:55, HD) is an interview with writer/director Jeremiah Kipp, who examines the creative genesis of "Slapface," looking to build on his literary inspirations, and he shares where the game of Slapface originated from, learning of the violent game from his family. The interviewee goes in-depth on the early days of the "Slapface" moviemaking experience, which was initially visualized as a short film before the project was sent out to find financing. Casting is highlighted, with Kipp speaking extensively about the performers and their interactions while making the feature. Low-budget production challenges are highlighted, dealing with limited shooting days and monster makeup, putting pressure on the crew to deliver.

• "Slapface" (8:39, HD) is the original 2017 short film from director Jeremiah Kipp.

• Image Gallery collects BTS snaps.

• And a Trailer (1:41, HD) is included.

Slapface Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's a lot to chew on in "Slapface," including questions about Tom's own internalized suffering, Anna position of awareness, and Lucas's mental state as he deals with Virago's messes, including the slaughter of an angry dog. Is this monster a real presence, or a manifestation of Lucas's suffering? Acting doesn't exactly support such questions of mental health, as turns from Manning and Maturo aren't as nuanced as necessary, but Kipp secures a compelling atmosphere of confusion for "Slapface," and his final destination for the story is meaningful, hunting for a way to address the stress and fracture of humiliation and personal loss while still creating a horror film for a larger audience.