Satanic Panic (film)

Satanic Panic is a 2019 American horror-comedy film directed by Chelsea Stardust and written by Grady Hendrix. The film follows Samantha, a struggling pizza delivery driver, who finds herself embroiled in a bizarre and terrifying situation when she delivers a pizza to a seemingly innocuous suburban house. What she discovers is a clandestine coven of Satanists performing a ritual sacrifice, and Samantha must use her wits and her surprisingly effective pizza-related skills to survive the night.

The film features a blend of over-the-top gore, dark humor, and social commentary, playfully poking fun at the tropes and anxieties of 1980s-style horror films, particularly those centered around the Satanic Panic moral panic of that era. Its comedic elements often contrast sharply with the graphic violence, creating a tone that is both absurd and genuinely frightening. The cast includes Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O'Connell, and Ruby Modine.

While not a strictly accurate portrayal of the historical Satanic Panic, the film utilizes its imagery and anxieties as a springboard for its satirical horror plot. The film's reception was generally positive, with critics praising its self-aware humor, creative kills, and strong performances. Many viewers found its over-the-top nature entertaining and refreshing, while others felt the humor undercut the potentially more impactful horror aspects. Despite the mixed opinions on its tonal balance, Satanic Panic remains a notable example of modern horror-comedy that engages with the legacy of the Satanic Panic in a uniquely playful way.