Marshmallow (2025) enters a well-trod arena of summer camp horror films that have paved the path long before its arrival.
There are several expectations from the start of Marshmallow: its cast of characters, the person or entity designed to hunt the campers down, and pure terror around any corner. However, what sets this film apart from the rest is its risky twist, which upends assumptions going in and ultimately sets up the stakes for the future.
The film starts with unquestionable tragedy for its main character, Morgan (Kue Lawrence). The death of a loved one leaves the introverted adolescent shaken, a feeling he is unable to shake by the time his mother (Alysia Reiner) drops him off at summer camp. Anxiety and fear are normal in new situations, but Morgan’s fears loom large. His weakness paints a target on his back. On the flip side, it also attracts the attention of fellow campers, Pilar (Kai Cech) and Dirk (Max Malas). Maybe things will look up after all.
Of course, Marshmallow is a horror movie, so that’s not going to be the case. A campfire tale relayed by head camp counselor Rachel (Giorgia Whigham) sparks the worst of Morgan’s fears. Weird things start to happen around camp after the story ends. Is it a young child’s paranoia coming to life? Or perhaps what was once reduced to a legend is actually something more? By the film’s end, no one can deny that this is a summer camp experience that will never be forgotten.
Marshmallow (2025) is a good example of a gateway horror.
Diving deep into Morgan’s headspace early on sets the film’s vibe immediately. It also allows director Daniel DelPurgatorio to show the viewers his hand in the horror department. What moments of gore and viscera depicted are eye-catching and shocking, but never too much. This ultimately makes the argument for how Marshmallow is a perfect transitional horror for a younger audience. The balance between the effects and the performances keeps things grounded amidst the terror unleashed onscreen, proving DelPurgatorio’s directorial skill even further.
The incredibly talented Kue Lawrence takes center stage here, more than earning the spotlight. Morgan is the most fleshed-out character, giving Lawrence a lot to work with. Given the character’s focus in the story, however, there’s more pressure. His performance completely immerses the audience in Morgan’s fear and never feels like acting, a rare feat when it comes to child performers.
The characters surrounding Morgan are archetypal in nature, with little development until the film’s final act. While a lot of pressure is placed on Lawrence’s shoulders, he is supported by an incredibly capable cast that gives everything to their performances. A particular standout is Pierson Fode’s douchenozzle of a character, Kaczmar. Kaczmar’s trajectory throughout Marshmallow twists and turns in fascinating ways, and Fode’s commitment to the character’s eccentricities never wavers.
The film’s twist paints everything that came before its reveal.
What should have been a typical summer camp experience transitions quickly into terror for Morgan in Marshmallow. Through carefully deployed camera angles and framing, sound cues, and performances, the transition from nighttime calm to abject fear is instantaneous. This comes into clear view when the legendary Doctor is backlit and silhouetted with light in clear view of petrified children. The threat isn’t hidden; it’s out there and will find them all. The homage this particular moment pays leans all the way in.
Where Marshmallow excels the most is also where it lets itself down in execution. Andy Greskoviak’s screenplay, up to the film’s third act, takes us on a fairly standard journey in the genre. The formula gets flipped on its head during a pivotal reveal, launching this summer horror into sci-fi territory. This paves the way for possible future installments if the team decides to go that route.
However, the twist’s delivery is mostly exposition-oriented, undercutting some of its impact. The breadcrumbs sprinkled in the storyline leading up to the reveal more than prove how well the “show versus tell” approach works. It adds suspense and mystery. If the delivery was more balanced in execution, the twist could have maintained more of its wow factor. That’s not to say it doesn’t have that still, but it could have been even stronger with a little more adjustment.
The bottom line.
Marshmallow is a surprising gateway horror with a twist that adds some creativity and fun in familiar territory. This is a showcase not just for DelPurgatorio and Greskoviak but also for its incredibly talented cast. For horror fans expecting the same old things, I advise you to toss aside some of your expectations. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised.
Marshmallow is now playing in theaters. Watch the trailer below.
To learn more about the film, check out our interviews.
Images courtesy of Amor Media.
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Marshmallow - 8/10
8/10
