The Mutilator

1985 • 86 minutes

About this movie

Although the slasher film was in decline by the mid-1980s, there were still some grisly delights to be had… and they don't come much grislier than writer-director Buddy Cooper's sickening stalk-and-slash classic The Mutilator! When Ed receives a message from his father asking him to go and lock up the family's beach condo for the winter, it seems like the perfect excuse for an alcohol-fuelled few days away with his friends. After all, his dad has forgiven him for accidentally blowing mom away with a shotgun several years ago… hasn't he? But no sooner are the teens on the island than they find themselves stalked by a figure with an axe (and a hook, and an onboard motor) to grind… Originally entitled Fall Break (watch out for the incongruous theme song of the same name!), The Mutilator has earned a reputation amongst horror fans as one of the 'holy grails' of 80s splatter mayhem due to its highly inventive (and not to say, decidedly gruesome) kill sequences, courtesy of FX wizard Mark Shostrom (Videodrome, Evil Dead II). Finally making its long-awaited bow in High-Definition, The Mutilator has returned to terrorise a whole new generation of horror fans! 2016 Arrow Films

Ratings and reviews

Nothing is more gratifying than to witness annoying characters get whacked one by one. Unfortunately the band that performed the movie's theme song, Fall Break, escaped the same fate. Highly recommended under the influence.

Fall Break!! I love this movie. It's a fun slasher with the same feel as the early Friday the 13th sequels. There's some great practical gore and a great catchy tune to go along with it. I'd recommend this movie to any slasher fan.