Street Trash

Street Trash
In the year 2050, global economic turmoil has destroyed the middle class in Cape Town, South Africa, which is now divided between the ultra-rich and the displaced. Ronald and a group of fellow houseless friends uncover a plot by the local government to 'wash away' the houseless population with a sinister chemical agent called 'V.' Now, they must risk everything to expose the truth and resist a society that's determined to erase them.
Spoons reviewedNovember 23, 2024
Ryan Kruger’s ambitious reimagining of the 1987 cult classic, set in a dystopian Cape Town of 2050. The story follows Ronald and his homeless companions as they uncover a sinister government plot to eliminate the homeless population with a deadly chemical agent known as “V.”
The practical effects are initially impressive, delivering gruesome, ’80s-inspired flesh-melting sequences. However, the same effect is repeated to the point of monotony, removing any sense of shock and making the gore feel tedious rather than impactful. What starts as a visual spectacle quickly becomes stale, robbing the film of its intended edge.
The humor also struggles to land. While Kruger aims for a mix of dark comedy and biting satire, the jokes feel forced and lack the sharp wit to carry the tone. It’s reminiscent of Troma films, but without the same level of chaotic charm or irreverent energy that makes those works endearing.
Despite its bold visual style and intriguing premise, Street Trash (2024) falls short of delivering a fully satisfying experience. The repetitive gore and uneven humor weigh it down, making it a challenging watch for anyone but diehard fans of splatter cinema. This film will be popular with people who like Society, The Toxic Avenger, and Bad Taste.