MARSHMALLOW Exists for the Twist

MARSHMALLOW (Blu-ray)

2025 / 93 min

Toy Robot

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

A subsidiary of Arrow Video, Toy Robot is a new boutique label that, so far, appears similarly committed to releasing cult classics and newer indie films. Marshmallow is one of the latter, a 2025 horror movie directed by Daniel Delpurgatorio, who I’d never heard of until now. But he might be someone to keep an eye on…

…though I certainly didn't think so during the first half of this thing. My first thought was, God, yet another slasher movie taking place at a summer camp in the woods. And no, the story doesn’t unfold like an homage or parody. You’ve got your usual collection of douchebag counselors, campers who are misfits or bullies, and of course, the ol’ scary campfire story about an urban legend, all presented as though Delpurgatorio and writer Andy Greskoviak invented these tropes. Yawn. 

Then something begins to happen, slowly at first. Initially, it appears that the aforementioned urban legend is gonna turn out to be true…lots of stalking and kids running, screaming & hiding. In fact, nearly all of the terror is inflicted on children…and as it turns out, there’s a reason for that. To elaborate further would ruin some cool story twists and a final revelation you won't likely see coming. But it will have you re-thinking some few of the glaring implausibilities of the first half.

"First rule of Fight Club, kids..."

Is it worth the wait? Yeah, I think so. Overall, Marshmallow still has a few liabilities, such as weak characters, occasionally dumb dialogue and what might be the most overbearing music score I’ve ever heard in a horror movie. And I still don't know what the hell the title means. But despite the familiar setting, it’s pretty atmospheric, well-directed and doesn’t rely too much on jump-scares and gory shocks.

Marshmallow clearly exists for the big twist, which is pretty original and ultimately elevates this one a bit above the usual “there’s something in the woods” slasher film. I don’t know if I would ever be compelled to watch it a second time, but any horror movie that manages to throw a surprise my way can’t be dismissed entirely.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTE - Filming the Dream Sequence

PODCAST INTERVIEWS - Featuring director Daniel Delpurgatorio, screenwriter Andy Greskoviak and actor Dylan Friendman.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Daniel Delpurgatorio and actors Kue Lawrence & Kai Cech.

SHORTS - “Other” and “Body(s)” are two early shorts by director Daniel Delpurgatorio.

STORYBOARDS, STILLS GALLERY & SCRIPT PAGES

REVERSIBLE COVER