Slaxxx

Inanimate objects springing to life and killing people, is usually the stuff of machinery: think Killdozer, Rubber, Christine, Microwave Massacre.

Slaxxx, however, turns the notion on its head by fitting jeans into the mix. Yes, a possessed pair of jeans is at the centre of this Quebec-lensed Canadian microbudget, for which Shudder bought the streaming rights in 2021.

“Fast fashion,” is already the stuff of nightmares – poor workplace conditions, subpar fire regulations, low pay, nebulous supply chains, landfill-ready merch instead of stuff that’s meant to last. And yes, it includes jeans, previously solidly-made stuff for miners and other blue collar types, but now very short-lasting.

The setting for Slaxxx is Canadian Cotton Clothiers, retail hell, which we’re introduced to through newbie employee Libby. There, Japanese rah-rah corporate motivation-speech is entrenched. And it’s married to au courant “manifesting” jargon that’s ever-popular (and ever difficult to define) on TikTok and Instagram.

Everyone is anticipating the big launch of a product innovation that fits every body type by expanding/contracting plus or minus 10 lbs. However, a pair of the jeans, ostensibly manufactured sustainability, is cursed. And taking on a life of its own.

Slaxxx is a tight production, as befitting the subject matter. A lean run time and a curious yet intriguing idea, serves it well.

*** (out of 5)