Destroy All Neighbors is all about visceral pleasures. William (Jonah Ray Rodrigues, Netflix’s Mystery Science Theater 3000) has spent years working on his prog-rock album. When he accidentally plays a part in the death of his new neighbor (Alex Winter, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure), he decides to cover up what he has done. Instead of getting away with murder, William begins an accidental reign of terror that leads to more dead bodies.
When a film is described as being more of an experience, it is rarely a good sign. This is usually code for the lack of coherent story being papered over by gaudy special effects. Destroy All Neighbors is definitely more of an experience, but it is the rare case where this is not passive wording to knock down the writing. While it is true that the plot takes a backseat, it is clearly intentional as the film constantly leans into its wackier tendencies.
Which is not to say that Destroy All Neighbors is devoid of a plot or meaning. Along with trying to cover up his neighbor’s death, William is also trying to get his life together. This means trying to figure out what needs to be prioritized and learning how to handle the different types of conflicts life throws at a person. There is also the ongoing theme of mental health.
But everything is put in the background as sheer zaniness takes over. Trippy visuals and great special effects take center stage as Destroy All Neighbors bombards the audience’s senses. It manages to successfully pull off the oddest of combinations. It is a gory and lighthearted watch that is bloody fun.
Destroy Al Neighbors premieres on Shudder January 12
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