There has always been something special about going to see a horror movie with friends that sets it apart from many other genres. Perhaps it is the ability to experience fear, one of our most intimate emotions, in a cathartic way with a crowd, or finding camaraderie in laughing at on-screen death. We are not here to psychoanalyze, but the undeniable truth is that catching a slasher, creature feature, zombie, or supernatural movie with friends will always make the best viewing experiences.
Because of the joint experience's integral role in the success of horror, it is not uncommon for horror movies to pay homage to other films and the experience of watching them. Horror movies that take place in theaters are few and far between, but when they are pulled off right, they make for some crowd-pleasers, from classics like Demons (1985) and Popcorn (1991) to more modern entries like All About Evil (2010) and The Last Matinee (2020). Yet one rises above them all, as the ultimate celebration of going to see a film with fans, even if it remains a hidden gem: 1986's Dead End Drive-In.
'Dead End Drive-In' Was a Film That Could Only Be Made by One Man
Taking place in the 'near future,' Dead End Drive-In depicts an Australia that has just seen a large economic crash, with unemployment and crime now soaring to the point of complete lawlessness. In a desperate bid to control the situation, the Australian Government quietly turns drive-in theaters into prisons for the undesirables of society. Jimmy "Crabs" Rossini and his girlfriend Carmen just want to catch a movie at the drive-in, but shortly after arrival, their car is sabotaged, and they are stuck with the lawless, partying society of delinquents. Fueled by a consistent diet of concession food and with endless B-movies on loop, to many, the place is one big party. However, Jimmy decides he wants out, and his push for freedom gets in the way of others' fun, making him the target of various punks and criminals as he tries to plot a way out of the prison.
Director Brian Trenchard-Smith would attempt to capitalize on the Mad Max craze with Dead End Drive-In, injecting the same high-octane action with a post-apocalyptic aesthetic, albeit with a more punk-rock approach. Trenchard-Smith, though far from a household name, had a short but vibrant career that resonated with cult film fans. This fandom came from works such as the gritty exploitation survival film Turkey Shoot; the family-friendly yet campy BMX Bandits (starring a young Nicole Kidman); an earnest attempt to start an action franchise with Day of the Panther and Strike of the Panther; as well as coming to direct sequels in American horror franchises in Night of the Demons 2, and Leprechaun 3 and Leprechaun 4: In Space.
When it came to Dead End Drive-In, the director's knack for jumping between genres and delivering B-movie madness made him a true crowd-pleaser. One does not need to be a fan of the director to appreciate Dead End Drive-In. However, the movie, despite falling more in line with exploitation and action genres than horror, naturally exudes the director's command of multiple genres. As a result, the movie captures the essence of watching a horror movie without being one.
'Dead End Drive-In' Perfectly Captures the Vibes of a Horror Movie
While Dead End Drive-In is not a horror movie, rather an action/exploitation film, it often finds itself lumped in with the genre, and for good reason. The film embodies the high-energy horror films with a ragtag group of punks at the center of much of its chaos. It also does not fit comfortably under the action genre, with its gritty elements pushing it into cult territory. More importantly, the movie acts as a celebration of the drive-in experience, which became the home for many horror films. During the film, even B-movies are playing, including Trenchard-Smith's early exploitation shocker, Turkey Shoot.
In Dead End Drive-In, perhaps more importantly, it carries those moments of violence one would want to yell at the screen with some like-minded friends. This includes deadly fights between the prisoners, confrontations with police, and a conclusion with some car-driven chaos. The best way to frame the film and how perfectly it still fits in with the horror crowd is that a movie like John Carpenter's Escape From New York is not going to upset the flow and good times if included in a marathon; Dead End Drive-In is equally successful if snuck in with a batch of horror films. At the same time, the vision of a drive-in, endlessly streaming movies, and a concession stand that is always open and free-flowing, is oddly appealing even in the setting of a dystopian future.
'Dead End Drive-In' Is the Ideal Pick for Your Next Movie Night with Friends
Fans of '80s cinema, particularly those who enjoy genre films, should add Dead End Drive-In to their next movie night with friends. Even better, make it an Australian-focused night. You can pair it with the so-bad-it's-good absurdity that is Howling III: The Marsupials, the gross-out, head-melting terror of Body Melt, the creature feature classic Razorback, or the haunting gothic/supernatural horror of The Survivor if you want something more serious to offset the over-the-top antics of Dead End Drive-In. Either way, make sure you check out Dead End Drive-In next movie night with friends. You can stream Dead End Drive-In on Philo, Plex, or Fawesome.
Dead End Drive-In 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like R Horror Science Fiction Action Release Date August 13, 1986 Runtime 87 minutes Director Brian Trenchard-Smith Writers Peter Smalley Producers Andrew Williams Cast See All Natalie McCurry Carmen Ned Manning Crabs Peter Whitford Thompson Wilbur Wilde Hazza
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