Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen camp slasher spoof slays; language, partying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hell of a Summer
What's the Story?
In HELL OF A SUMMER—written and directed by Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk (who both also co-star)—perennial camp counselor Jason (Fred Hechinger) is excited to return to Camp Pineway for another summer, this time with hopes of being promoted. The counselors get there early in preparation for the campers' arrival, but it turns out that a masked killer has arrived even earlier in preparation for the counselors.
Is It Any Good?
Older teens will likely be screaming with laughter at Wolfhard and Bryk's slasher parody, but adults may not be as gutted with a splitting side. The dialogue in Hell of a Summer is sharp, the humor aimed squarely at Gen Z's unique way of seeing the world. And they're laughing at themselves. For instance, when characters are looking for a way to defend themselves against the killer, Wolfhard's character, Chris, finds a single-use fork and says "Plastics! That's the real killer!" For teens who don't typically like horror movies but are looking for a sleepover option with some cred, Hell of a Summer fits the kill.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the hallmarks of teen summer camp slasher movies that are acknowledged in Hell of a Summer. Which ones weren't present, and why do you think they were eliminated?
How does the movie's violence compare to that of other horror films? Because this is a comedy, do you think the violence has the same impact? Were you more scared or grossed out?
What's the difference between parody, spoof, and satire? Which category does this movie fall into?
How is the movie's humor specific to Gen Z? Do you think that will make it more successful, or less?
Which characters demonstrate integrity and courage? Do you consider anyone a role model? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 4, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : April 22, 2025
- Cast : Finn Wolfhard , Fred Hechinger , Abby Quinn , Billy Bryk
- Directors : Billy Bryk , Finn Wolfhard
- Inclusion Information : Multiracial Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Neon
- Genre : Horror
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : horror violence, language throughout, and some sexual references
- Last updated : January 21, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate