The highly anticipated sophomore film from director Ryan Kruger (“Warrior,” Fried Barry) hits digital platforms through Cineverse today, November 19. Street Trash is Kruger’s reimagining of the 1987 cult splatter classic by director Jim Muro. Kruger, a rising force in independent horror, brings his distinctive style and singular creative voice to this twisted tale of societal outcasts consumed – quite literally- by nightmarish horrors.
We say reimagining but, according to Kruger, this is not a straight-up remake or reboot, but rather a standalone sequel that exists within the same established universe. Kruger’s vision is one of respectful homage combined with bold reinvention, sure to satisfy long-time Street Trash devotees while also serving as an enticing entry point for those discover this beloved cinematic realm for the very first time.
Kruger directed the film, which he co-wrote with James C. Williamson (Fried Barry), based on the original film written by Roy Frumkes and Jim Muro. Kruger also stars in the movie, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Sean Cameron Michael (“Black Sails,” The Mummy) and Donna Cormack-Thomson (“Catch Me A Killer,” “FDR”), Joe Vaz (“Good Omens,” “The Watch”), Lloyd Martinez Newkirk (Fried Barry), Shuraigh Meyer (The Umbrella Men), Gary Green (Fried Barry), and Warrick Grier (Dredd).
In this new entry in the Street Trash universe, set in the not-too-distant future, the South African government has resorted to a shockingly inhumane “solution” to address the country’s growing homelessness crisis: a chilling initiative to systematically round up the homeless population and liquidate the problem using a sinister chemical agent called ‘V.’ A desperate, ragtag group of those targeted for this genocidal purge must band together, using whatever meager resources they can muster, to fight back against this campaign of state-sanctioned slaughter before they too are permanently silenced.
To mark the film’s release, CinemaChords’ Ashley Northey and Howard Gorman spoke with Kruger about the complexities of reviving this cult classic in a way that would satisfy lifelong fans whilst also appealing to a new generation. He also elaborated on the importance of building a narrative that transcended the shock value and gross-out slime sequences that propelled the 1987 original to iconic status. Instead, he made sure not to lose sight of telling a story deeply rooted in the essence of humanity – but presented through the most delightfully bizarre lens imaginable.
The original 1987 Street Trash will also begin streaming on Screambox today, November 19th.
