Destroy All Neighbors Review: Gore, Gags, and Rock in this Symphony of Screams
“Destroy All Neighbors” emerges as a splatter-comedy that rides on its irreverent humor and a scrappy, DIY punk spirit. Directed by Josh Forbes and penned by Charles Pieper and Jared Logan, the film is a quirky, gory romp through the challenges of creative ambition in the most surreal of circumstances.

The movie centers around William Brown, portrayed by Jonah Ray Rodrigues, a sound engineer and aspiring prog-rock musician whose life is upended by an array of eccentric characters, including the spineless Scotty, a simpering studio boss, and Vlad, a noisy, sinister neighbor played by Alex Winter. Vlad’s untimely, accidental decapitation by William sets off a bizarre chain of events, transforming the film into a dark comedy about a reluctant “serial manslaughterer.”
“Destroy All Neighbors” is notable for its unique blend of humor and horror, pivoting on the charm of Rodrigues’ straight-man performance and the rich practical effects, a nod to the style of Frank Henenlotter. The film is a visual treat, showcasing impressive effects from SFX guru Gabe Bartalos, which include moments like a limbless torso playing drums with animated entrails.
Despite its comedic aspirations, the film’s narrative feels somewhat constrained, focusing heavily on the humor and eccentricities of its characters while leaving little room for deeper exploration of William’s character arc. His girlfriend, Emily, played by Kiran Deol, is regrettably relegated to a reactive role, underscoring a missed opportunity to flesh out the story’s emotional landscape further. Moreover, while breakneck, the film’s pacing sometimes sacrifices depth for laughs, leading to some characters and comedic moments overstaying their welcome.

The movie’s humor can be a double-edged sword. The jokes and gags, ranging from rock ‘n’ roll misunderstandings to exaggerated antics of the undead, offer ample amusement but sometimes feel disconnected from a cohesive narrative thread. However, the chemistry among the cast is palpable, with Ray’s interactions with co-stars being a highlight, showcasing a collaborative energy that buoys the film’s lighter moments.
“Destroy All Neighbors” is an entertaining, if somewhat uneven, foray into splatter-comedy. It’s a film that celebrates its rough edges, reveling in its gory, outrageous humor. While it may not delve deeply into character development or narrative complexity, it compensates with a unique visual style and a commitment to its comedic and horror elements.
‘Destroy All Neighbors’ is akin to a chaotic, late-night jam session that careens wildly between notes of absurdity and strokes of genius. It’s a cinematic experience where the crescendo of laughter meets the shriek of horror, all set to a soundtrack as unpredictable as its plot. In the end, ‘Destroy All Neighbors’ doesn’t just knock on the door of conventional horror-comedy; it kicks it down with a drumstick in one hand and a laugh track in the other.
RATING: 3.0 out of 5.0.
Destroy All Neighbors is now streaming on Shudder.
HP 67XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge | Works with HP DeskJet 1255, 2700, 4100 Series, HP ENVY 6000, 6400 Series | Eligible for Instant Ink | One Size | 3YM57AN
$29.89 (as of April 22, 2025 09:50 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Anker Nano Travel Adapter, 5-Port Power Adapter with 1 AC, 2 USB-A, and 2 USB-C Ports, Smart Temperature Control, Compatible with Over 200 Countries, Ideal for Travel (1-Pack)
$25.99 (as of April 21, 2025 09:49 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ring Battery Doorbell, Head-to-Toe Video, Live View with Two-Way Talk, and Motion Detection & Alerts (2024 release), Venetian Bronze
$54.99 (as of April 22, 2025 09:50 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)PILLANI Pregnancy Pillows for Sleeping - V C U Shaped Full Body Pillow with Removable Cover, 57inch Cooling Maternity Pillow for Pregnant Women, Support for Back Belly Legs Hip - Pregnancy Must Haves
$31.99 (as of April 21, 2025 09:49 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search, Wi-Fi 6, stream over 1.5 million movies and shows, free & live TV
$49.99 (as of April 22, 2025 09:50 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Auto Amazon Links: No products found. (72 items filtered out)
I had a blast watching Destroy All Neighbors! The mix of horror and humor kept me entertained from start to finish, and the rock soundtrack was a perfect fit. Definitely a fun ride for horror fans.
The mix of horror and humor in Destroy All Neighbors is spot on. The gore is intense, but the rock soundtrack really adds a fun, energetic vibe. Definitely a wild ride!