[Tribeca ’23] ‘Bad Things’ review: Queer horror lays groundwork for future

Bad Things is a Tribeca World Premiere that lays out a strong template for future queer horror movies. Ruthie (Gayle Rankin, GLOW) wants to sell the hotel she inherited. Along with some friends, she goes on a weekend getaway to the abandoned building. Paranoia soon takes over the group as they grapple with ghosts from the past.

There are two main focuses of the film. The first is the development of the characters. The entire cast do a fantastic job of portraying the distrust, fear, and frustration of their situation. Their bond is not as strong as expected, and each does little to hide their distrust. The dialogue is well written and flows naturally. All of them come off as four people who are just trying to work past their worries and have a good time.

Ruthie’s transformation is fascinating to watch. She is on edge from the onset and only becomes less patient and predictable. Her anger towards others eventually turns to blame as she continues to remind her girlfriend Cal (Hari Nef, Meet Cute) she never wanted to go on the trip. It all leads to an ending that pays homage to similar movies.

Bad Things also focuses on the horror of the situation. At first, it is used to foreshadow; the ghost stories and long hallways are used to build suspense. Writer-director Stewart Thorndike uses the time to delve into the lives of the four friends and explore the real life trauma and fears they have. Much like Ruthie, things become more intense and the story becomes more fast paced and blood drenched.

What Thorndike does not focus on is the sexuality of the characters. Much like the sex-crazed horror movies of the 1980s, it is just a part of the plot. There is some talk about toxic masculinity, but Bad Things is loud and proud in its own way. It is a luxury that previous queer horror movies did not have. It is refreshing to see and hopefully a sign of things to come.

Tribeca Festival takes place June 7 -18. All films and events can be found HERE