4K Ultra HD Review – Slither (2006)

      Slither, 2006.

      Written and Directed by James Gunn.

      Featuring Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Tania Saulnier, Gregg Henry, and Michael Rooker.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A small town falls victim to an alien plague, transforming its residents into zombies and various mutant creatures.

      Long before James Gunn earned the trust for projects involving talking raccoons, cosmic heroes, and the future of DC, he was experimenting with something much different… launching alien slugs into the mouths of unsuspecting citizens and transforming Michael Rooker into a massive, pulsating meat-monster.

      Reflecting from 2026, this path seems entirely logical. Although Slither was not a box office success in 2006, two decades later it doesn’t seem out of place. Instead, it stands as the initial clear indication of what Gunn would evolve into as a filmmaker.

      Set in the quiet South Carolina town of Wheelsy, the narrative kicks off with a meteor crash and swiftly escalates into a scenario that is undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted. Wealthy local misfit Grant Grant encounters an alien creature that quickly burrows into his chest. From that moment, the troublesome extraterrestrial begins to alter him from within. Before long, livestock starts to vanish, residents are acting strangely, and an influx of slug-like parasites begins to slither (hence the film's title) through the community. Fortunately, there is still hope – the line of defense between humanity and total absorption includes police chief Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion), Starla Grant (Elizabeth Banks), a profane mayor, and a ragtag band of desperate survivors.

      The concept might seem like a relic from a video store shelf in the 1980s, and that's largely the intention. Slither playfully references horror history, showcasing influences from Shivers, The Thing, Night of the Creeps, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and The Fly. Additionally, other cult classics are hidden within the film for die-hard horror fans to discover. However, the film avoids turning into a mere compilation of references. Thankfully, Gunn realizes that homage works best when it's infused with a personal touch, which, in this case, manifests as genuine affection for the absurd characters.

      That unique affection distinguishes Slither from many other films of the mid-2000s. Wheelsy feels relatable. Its inhabitants have small-town backstories, grudges, forgotten romances, and even minor characters seem to have come from a broader world outside of the film. These somewhat simple-minded individuals are charming, so when the chaos unfolds, it resonates on a deeper level.

      Michael Rooker delivers an outstanding performance. What could have been a one-dimensional monster role gradually evolves into something stranger and more poignant. As Grant transforms into an increasingly grotesque embodiment of the alien hive mind, remnants of his humanity and bond with his wife remain ensnared beneath layers of flesh, tentacles, and an insatiable desire. Elizabeth Banks infuses Starla with warmth and intelligence while successfully steering clear of the typical damsel-in-distress trope. She holds onto hope that Grant is still in there but isn’t hesitant to take action when necessary. Nathan Fillion’s perpetually exasperated sheriff is among the film’s standout aspects. His deadpan responses to mounting absurdity effectively link the body horror and dark comedy elements throughout.

      Then there are the effects. Having previously worked on Troma projects, it's not surprising that Gunn has a strong tolerance for gore. Two decades later, the practical effects remain impressively grotesque. Bodies swell, rupture, split, and writhe with a palpable sense of weight. While some digital enhancements show their age, the abundance of prosthetics, slime, and creature effects still carries the film. The handcrafted authenticity of the horror is something that modern CGI-heavy monster movies often struggle to imitate.

      This anniversary SteelBook edition is a fitting tribute to the film. The new 4K Dolby Vision restoration, sanctioned by Gunn and cinematographer Gregory Middleton, revitalizes the textures, colors, and exquisitely repulsive creature work. The extras are significant as well, including new interviews with Gunn, Middleton, editor John Axelrad, composer Tyler Bates, and effects specialist Todd Masters, providing intriguing insights into the production. Legacy featurettes, deleted scenes, bloopers, and Nathan Fillion’s set tour complete this collection, making it feel genuinely celebratory. And the double-sided poster is fantastic!

      Two decades on, Slither remains the epitome of what great cult horror should embody: humorous, grotesque, unexpectedly heartfelt, and utterly at ease within its own various rapidly evolving forms. If possible, view it during its limited theatrical run and seize this limited edition UHD if you want to add Slither to your physical media collection.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Tom Atkinson

      Originally published June 3, 2026. Updated June 4,