Director Eli Roth, known for his visceral contributions to the horror genre with films like the Hostel series and Thanksgiving, is gearing up for the release of his new film, "Ice Cream Man." This standalone horror offering, slated for international release on August 7, aims to deliver a potent mix of shock value and dark humor.
"Ice Cream Man" stars Ari Millen as a seemingly friendly ice cream vendor who corrupts children in a suburban town with his treats, transforming them into homicidal monsters. The film also features Benjamin Byron Davis, Sarah Abbott, Charlie Zeltzer, and Karen Cliche.
The movie marks the first release under The Horror Section Banner, a media company founded by Roth in March 2025, dedicated to controlling a library of horror content across films, television series, and games.
Roth has previously expressed his enthusiasm for the intersection of horror and comedy, aiming to evoke a reaction from audiences where they are simultaneously entertained and horrified. The trailer for "Ice Cream Man" appears to embrace this, showcasing a notably bloody tone with scenes of children interacting with gruesome elements, all set against an unexpected musical backdrop. This zany approach is reminiscent of Roth's earlier work, such as the film "Thanksgiving."
It is important to note that Eli Roth's "Ice Cream Man" is a distinct, standalone film and is not connected to Paul Norman's 1995 black-comedy slasher of the same name, nor Robert Moniot's 2024 biographical short.
With a runtime of 86 minutes, "Ice Cream Man" is positioned as a compact yet impactful addition to the summer's horror releases.