Cast: Eli Roth, Ari Millen, Benjamin Byron Davis, Karen Cliche, Dylan Hawco, Sarah Abbott, Shiloh O’Reilly, Kiori Mirza Waldman, Charlie Zeltzer, Charlie Storey
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Eli Roth
In Irish Cinemas: 7th August 2026
Horror movies usually leave audiences with a clear reaction—they’re either entertaining, disappointing, or somewhere in the middle. Then there are the rare films that simply leave you wondering why you spent the time watching them. Unfortunately, Ice Cream Man falls squarely into that category.
Eli Roth has built a reputation on outrageous violence and unapologetic gore, delivering cult favorites like Cabin Fever and the recent slasher Thanksgiving. His latest effort once again embraces his signature style, combining over-the-top bloodshed with a playful tone. However, while the film is visually energetic, it struggles to deliver anything memorable beyond its graphic kills.
The story begins with a seemingly innocent youth softball game before an ice cream truck arrives to reward the children. What starts as a cheerful celebration quickly turns horrific when the frozen treats transform the kids into ruthless killers. One boy, Jared, avoids the ice cream because of his lactose intolerance, leaving him and his older sister to figure out what is happening while chaos erupts around them.The mysterious Ice Cream Man, portrayed by Ari Millen, relies almost entirely on silent expressions and exaggerated mannerisms. Although the performance aims for unsettling, it often feels too familiar, echoing popular horror villains rather than establishing its own identity.
While the movie delivers plenty of gruesome deaths, the relentless focus on gore comes at the expense of everything else. Characters receive little development, emotional stakes are almost nonexistent, and the narrative rarely builds meaningful suspense. Instead, the film races from one violent sequence to the next, making its brief runtime feel surprisingly repetitive.
Visually, Ice Cream Man has an appealing contrast between bright, colorful imagery and graphic violence, creating an initially striking aesthetic. Unfortunately, the novelty fades quickly because the film offers little substance beneath the blood-soaked surface. Attempts to introduce backstory or deeper mythology arrive too late to give the story much weight.
In the end, Ice Cream Man feels like a collection of elaborate horror set pieces stitched together rather than a compelling film. Fans looking solely for outrageous gore may find a few moments to appreciate, but anyone hoping for suspense, memorable characters, or a satisfying story is likely to come away disappointed.
Overall: 5/10
Movie Reviewer
