Kevin Smith’s Red State marks his venture into horror, a genre departure that, while featuring moments of brilliance, ultimately falls short of its potential. The film attempts to weave together disparate elements – teen sex comedy, slasher horror reminiscent of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and action thriller – creating a tonal mishmash that doesn’t entirely gel. Despite these shortcomings, the performances, particularly that of John Goodman as ATF agent Joseph Keenan, offer compelling reasons to examine Red State, even if the film itself is flawed.
Having seen Smith’s Tusk prior to revisiting Red State reveals a critical weakness in the latter: the writing. Where Tusk thrives on its dark humor and witty dialogue, Red State suffers from a script that lacks similar engagement. While Michael Parks delivers a committed performance as Abin Cooper, the extremist religious leader, his lengthy monologues often feel rambling and fail to captivate the viewer. Parks embodies a chilling presence, mirroring real-life figures, but the script doesn’t provide the sharp, insightful dialogue needed to elevate his character beyond caricature.
In contrast, John Goodman’s portrayal of Agent Keenan provides a much-needed anchor. Keenan is crafted as a morally upright yet conflicted character, and it’s through his perspective that the film finds its most relatable and compelling aspects. While the teenage characters feel underdeveloped and disposable, Keenan’s internal struggle and his interactions with the unfolding chaos inject a sense of gravitas into the narrative. Goodman’s nuanced performance captures the weariness and ethical dilemmas of a law enforcement officer grappling with an extreme situation.
Ultimately, Red State feels like a missed opportunity. In his attempt to tackle horror, Smith seems to have strayed too far from the comedic and character-driven elements that define his best work. The result is a film that, while boasting strong performances from both John Goodman and Michael Parks, meanders and lacks a cohesive vision. While Red State might be a curiosity for Kevin Smith completists, those seeking a truly effective horror experience might find it wanting. Smith’s subsequent forays into horror suggest a filmmaker still refining his approach to the genre, making Red State an interesting, if flawed, stepping stone in his cinematic journey.
