remors (2025)

Genre: Horror / Sci‑Fi / Monster Thriller
Director: Mike Flanagan
Starring:

Kevin Bacon as Valentine “Val” McKee
Finn Wolfhard as Leo McKee
Jenna Ortega as Dr. Cassie Vega
Tony Revolori as Samir Patel
Fred Ward returns through archival footage

Decades after the underground terror first shook Perfection, Nevada, Val McKee (Kevin Bacon) has lived off the radar—scarred yet vigilant. When seismic activity awakens evolved Graboids beneath the desert, Dr. Vega (Jenna Ortega) and Leo McKee (Finn Wolfhard), Val’s estranged son, race to investigate. They soon discover the creatures have mutated—hive-minded, faster, and more strategic, spawning the lethal new “Graboid Prime.” It’s a small‑town showdown as father, son, and allies mount a desperate defense

1. Kevin Bacon’s Triumphant Return

Bacon effortlessly slips back into Val’s rugged, wary persona—a man shaped by trauma yet still vibrant. His presence anchors the narrative and satisfies long-time fans.

2. Upgraded Monster Design

The “Graboid Prime” is the franchise’s most fearsome creature yet: intelligent, camouflaged, and capable of coordinated attacks. Legacy Effects’ mix of practical animatronics and subtle CGI preserves the original’s tactile charm

3. Emotional Depth & Family Drama

More than a creature feature, the film delves into Val’s fractured relationship with Leo. Their uneasy dynamic adds genuine weight to the monster chaos, giving emotional stakes alongside physical peril.

4. Skillful Direction by Mike Flanagan

Known for his work in prestige horror (The Haunting of Hill House), Flanagan blends creeping dread with visceral monster mayhem. Tense practical sequences contrast with character-driven moments, balancing nostalgia and innovation.

1. Familiar Franchise Formula

While updated and refined, the core beats follow a classic pattern: creature awakens, team assembles, showdown ensues. Some may find it predictable, though the updated monster keeps things fresh.

2. Secondary Characters Underexplored

Though Ortega and Wolfhard are charismatic, the supporting cast—including an engineer and a few local allies—aren’t afforded much background before danger strikes.

Following a string of direct-to-video sequels with diminishing returns (most recently Shrieker Island in 2020), the franchise took a major turn in 2025. Stampede Entertainment reclaimed rights to the original script and is exploring legacy sequels set in Perfection—potentially featuring Bacon again Reddit has buzzed with excitement at Bacon’s return, hopeful this won’t be another mediocre reboot.

Tremors (2025) is a satisfying revival that honors its origins while expanding into more emotionally resonant territory. With Kevin Bacon’s grounded performance, intelligent new creature designs, and direction that fuses character depth with practical thrills, this film redeems the franchise. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it elevates it—delivering both nostalgia and new horror cred.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)