Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Attack the Block, The World’s End) is the solo writer on this feature comedy/horror film. The world premiere was here in Austin, TX at Fantastic Fest in September and it was among my favorite films from the fest. I had not seen the filmmaker here in Austin with a film since the promo tour in 2014 for Cuban Fury, a film he co-wrote and stars in. To view the premiere of the film he solo-scripted here at Fantastic Fest was a delight, after some crazy comedic scenes that evolve into something else. Hearing him speak during the Q&A added to the fun experience of the festival.
Synopsis: The Smith family’s much-needed vacation to the remote Swedish island of Svalta takes a dark turn when they arrive during preparations for a mysterious local festival that celebrates a dark history. Unsettled by the unfriendly locals and strange rituals, they try to make the best of their trip, stubbornly enjoying the island’s isolation and natural beauty. However, as the festival looms closer, the family realizes something far more sinister is unfolding—especially when they discover that a serial killer is on the loose.
Get Away is directed by Steffen Haars. Known for his work in a comedy group known as “New Kids,” a TV adaptation of “New Kids” ran from 2007 to 2009. This was followed by a 2010 feature film, New Kids Turbo. Get Away begins with a family of four about to go on vacation.
The Smiths are and English family, “Daddy” Richard (Frost), “Mommy” Susan (Aisling Bea), daughter Jessie (Maisie Ayres), and son Sam (Sebastian Croft). They’re vacationing in the Swedish isle of Svälta and aware of a tradition known as Karantan. The Swedish locals are all surprised and want to make sure they know of the activities on the island, but the Smiths are determined to go. On the island, the hostility by everyone is evident. The owner of the rental however (Eero Milonoff) is not, but he is as creepy as they come. Svälta’s remembrance of a historical past that has ties to the British could be a reason for the hostility. And yes, their English family unit is quirky, unwelcomed as is clearly expressed by the Svältan elder (Anitta Suikkari) in words and facial expressions. Everything in sight screams a nightmare is about to be unleashed.
Producers: Lee Kim, John Hegeman, Nick Frost, Aram Tertzakian, Nick Spicer, Maxime Cottray
Executive Producers: Vince Totino, Nate Bolotin, Pip Ngo, Patrick Fischer, Jennifer Eriksson, Simon Lewis, Julia Stuart, Laura Grange
Cinematographer: Joris Kerbosch, Editor: Brian Ent, Composer: Hybrid
Language: English Running Time: 86 minutes and opens in theaters nationwide December 6th and to be streaming on Shudder in 2025.
Source: IFC Films, Shudder, Fantastic Fest
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