Humongous (1982 film)

Humongous is a 1982 Canadian slasher film directed by Paul Lynch, starring Janet Julian, David Wallace, and John Novak. The film revolves around a group of young adults who find themselves stranded on a secluded island inhabited by a hideously deformed and mentally impaired man, a recluse, who stalks and murders them.

The plot centers on Charlotte (Julian) who, as a young girl, witnessed the rape of her mother on the island, resulting in her mother becoming pregnant. Years later, Charlotte returns to the island with friends for a weekend getaway. Unbeknownst to them, the illegitimate son born from the rape, a man referred to only as "Humongous," lives on the island, driven mad by isolation and past abuse.

Humongous is considered a typical example of early 1980s slasher films, featuring graphic violence, nudity, and a masked killer. It garnered negative reviews upon release, often criticized for its plot holes, derivative nature, and exploitation of sensitive subject matter. Despite the critical reception, the film has gained a cult following among fans of the slasher genre.

The film's title refers to the physical size and monstrous nature of the killer, though the character himself is depicted more as a victim of circumstance than a purely evil entity. He is shown to be severely mentally and emotionally damaged, adding a layer of complexity, however controversial, to the typical slasher villain trope.