Ick is a fun, nostalgia-packed horror film that I loved every second of. Directed by Joseph Kahn and starring Brandon Routh as a former high school all-star jock whose dreams failed to carry him beyond an injury, Ick blends alien invasion sci-fi horror with dark humor and witty commentary that makes it greater than the sum of its parts.
At some point in the 2000s, an unusual alien plant-like species landed on Earth and was soon labeled the Ick. While this acronym has a scientific meaning, the surface-level descriptor is accurate. However, since this grotesque plant appears to do little apart from grow unsightly patches on every surface, humanity has chosen to largely ignore it. But, 20 years after its arrival, the Ick begins to attack.
The Ick Is Not A Hero Story, But It Has A Hero
Brandon Routh’s Hank is largely portrayed as an unremarkable figure whose glory days are long gone. While the Ick is invading the entirety of planet Earth, this story is laser-focused on him. This is perfect for capturing the tone of the movie, tackling a series of events with a handful of relationships. However, the events themselves are less important than the characters.
Beyond being comical and timely, the film isn’t afraid to lean hard into aspects of horror and play up the nostalgia of the 2000s.
Hank finds meaning in a world gone mad, and Routh is perfectly cast to play the part. The actor has the physique and appearance of a hero, yet he’s able to convincingly appear as non-threatening and meek. This ultimately contributes to the story’s wacky and unpredictable arc; this small town is overrun by the Ick, but the citizens continue to engage in life as usual.
Ick is brilliantly witty and wonderfully cast, with actors like Malina Weissman adding to the overall fun as a stubborn student who appears to be one of the only other people taking the Ick seriously. Beyond being comical and timely, the film isn’t afraid to lean hard into aspects of horror or play up 2000s nostalgia in a way that contributes to the excitement and fun.
Ick Pushes The Limits In Both Darkness & Comedy
While the sci-fi nature of an alien invasion is clearly one part of this story, the movie quickly evolves into intense body horror with the Ick possessing the townspeople. Alongside the possessions, the film makes the aliens look extremely gross as they appear to pulsate, transform, and dispense large volumes of goo and slime. All of this adds to the film being one of the most shocking and awe-inspiring releases of 2025.
It caters to a specific audience, and I fall squarely into it.
The film is not shy about playing into nostalgia bait. As a proud millennial, I’m not ashamed to admit that 10 minutes into the film, I had to double-check that the music playing was part of the soundtrack and not just one of my playlists. It caters to a specific audience, and I fall squarely into it. But it also doesn’t take itself too seriously, playing with critiques and stereotypes across the board.
Ick is a fun time. It is unashamedly itself, pushing the limits of every story aspect. With a great cast, excellent visual effects, and perfectly edited and executed scenes and transitions, there is a lot to love. Ick is well worth watching for fans of the genre, the decade, and the cast and crew who make this production such a spectacular spectacle.
Ick will have a limited theatrical release starting July 24.
