The Slither

Slither: A Gory and Hilarious Throwback to Creature Features

Slither (2006), the feature directorial debut of James Gunn, is a wickedly entertaining blend of science fiction, horror, and comedy. Drawing inspiration from classic B-movie creature features and body horror films like The Thing and Night of the Creeps, Slither embraces its absurd premise with wit, style, and a surprising amount of heart. The result is a cult favorite that balances grotesque imagery with razor-sharp humor and genre-savvy storytelling.

Set in the small town of Wheelsy, South Carolina, Slither begins with a mysterious alien parasite crashing to Earth via a meteorite. The parasite infects local wealthy man Grant Grant (played by Michael Rooker), transforming him into a grotesque, rapidly mutating creature bent on spreading itself through mind-controlling slug-like larvae. As the infection spreads, the town becomes ground zero for a full-blown alien invasion, with citizens turning into zombified hosts driven by a hive mind connected to the parasite.

Leading the charge to stop the outbreak is local sheriff Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion), a charming, sarcastic everyman who finds himself completely out of his depth. Joining him are Starla Grant (Elizabeth Banks), Grant’s increasingly horrified wife, and scientist Kylie Strutemyer (Tania Saulnier), one of the first to understand the scale of the threat. Together, they must fight off waves of infected townspeople, grotesque mutations, and the relentless spread of alien slugs.

What sets Slither apart is its tone—Gunn walks a fine line between genuine horror and self-aware comedy. The film never shies away from gore or body horror; in fact, it relishes in it, featuring exploding bodies, grotesque transformations, and squirm-inducing alien invasions. However, these horrific elements are paired with dark humor, snappy dialogue, and exaggerated characters that keep the film fun rather than oppressive. The grotesque is made palatable through satire, and the ridiculous is grounded by strong performances.

Michael Rooker is particularly memorable, delivering a twisted and oddly sympathetic performance as Grant, who transforms from a jealous husband into a bloated alien monstrosity with a lingering affection for his wife. Nathan Fillion, known for his charm and deadpan delivery, brings levity and likeability to the role of Sheriff Pardy, while Elizabeth Banks offers depth and sincerity as Starla, whose loyalty is tested in increasingly bizarre ways.

Beneath the slime and shocks, Slither contains subtle themes of love, control, and transformation. The parasite doesn’t just consume; it manipulates memories and feelings, adding a layer of emotional horror to the physical grotesquery. Still, the film never takes itself too seriously, which is part of its charm.

In conclusion, Slither is a delightfully disgusting love letter to 1980s horror and sci-fi. With its practical effects, clever writing, and confident direction, it manages to be both a parody and a solid entry in the genre. For fans of over-the-top horror with a sense of humor and a nostalgic flair, Slither is a slimy gem that delivers laughs, scares, and buckets of gooey fun.