In “Sick,” audiences are transported to the year 2020, just after the initial outbreak of COVID-19 has rocked the world and everyone is trying to make sense of what is happening. That fact alone is grist for a horror film, and while other movies have tried to capture the terror of living through a pandemic while we are still in the midst of one, “Sick” takes a slightly different tack.
Written by Kevin Williamson, Sick isn’t just about the pandemic; it aims to breathe new life into the slasher genre. The film spins a chilling tale that combines familiar elements from Williamson’s earlier hits like Scream, while also reflecting the real fears tied to a global health crisis.
It draws on the shared experiences of lockdown, social distancing, and the constant worry of getting sick to build a real sense of dread. By tapping into these feelings, Sick provides a fresh and timely spin on the slasher theme, standing out from other films in the genre. It’s a mirror of a particular historical moment seen through the horror lens, showcasing Williamson’s lasting interest in all things dark and eerie.
Sick (2022) starts off in the wild and uncertain early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, pulling viewers right into the fear that everyone felt back then. It captures those frantic moments of people rushing to stock up on supplies, tapping into our shared memories and creating a familiar sense of discomfort.
By making this choice, Kevin Williamson and his team bring a classic horror vibe to the film, with its thrills rooted in a stark and relatable reality.
The first ten minutes of Sick deliver a powerful lesson in building tension. These gripping and frightening scenes set a chilling tone for the whole movie. This eerie beginning, filled with real moments of fear, hints at a viewing experience that will hit hard and keep you on edge, much like the virus did. It takes the genuine worries from the pandemic and uses them to create a truly scary and memorable journey.
“Sick” (2022) tells the story of Parker (Gideon Adlon) and her best friend Miri (Bethlehem Million) in April 2020, as they deal with the confusion of the early pandemic. Like many college students, their lives change suddenly due to lockdowns and social distancing. To escape their small dorm rooms and rising stress, they decide to stay at Parker’s family lake house.
At first, the lake house seems like the perfect getaway—it’s a nice place far from the busy city, with no neighbors nearby. But this isolation, which should keep them safe from the virus, actually makes them feel more vulnerable. The quiet, open space around the lake house shifts from relaxing to frightening as the story goes on, showing how what feels safe can quickly become dangerous.
In “Sick,” the experiences of Parker and Miri reflect the real struggles of many young people whose lives were changed by COVID-19. Their time alone at the lake house creates a tense atmosphere typical of horror films. As they try to keep some normalcy during these strange times, they face challenges that test not only their friendship but also their will to survive.
In its thrilling 84 minutes, Sick (2022) offers a nonstop slasher ride. The story follows Parker and Miri as they find themselves chased by a knife-carrying attacker in a secluded lake house.
Right from the start, the killer makes their presence known with chilling text messages, a clever twist on the familiar setup seen in Kevin Williamson’s Scream series, but adapted for today’s world. This fresh take on a well-known horror element really ramps up the fear.
In a smart move, Sick takes away the comfort of modern tech from Parker and Miri, forcing them to think on their feet and use their creativity, much like characters from the classic slasher films.
With no one else around and just a few tools at their disposal, their chance of survival hinges on their ability to outwit the attacker and stand by each other when the pressure is at its peak.
Kevin Williamson’s touch is felt throughout Sick (2022), not just in its basic idea. Fans of Scream will spot some clever references to the series, but Sick (2022) smartly chooses not to depend on a masked killer. Instead, director John Hyams introduces a less distinct but equally scary stalker who hides in the dark, chasing Parker and Miri.
This villain might not have the instantly recognizable look of Ghostface, but their violent actions certainly leave a lasting impact.
Since the film takes place during the pandemic, some might find its themes a bit too relatable. Still, Sick (2022) effectively builds tension and connects with genuine fears. It isn’t just a straightforward “stay-at-home order” thriller; it paints a thoughtful picture of friendship tested by serious strain. The relationship between Parker and Miri, with one taking the pandemic seriously while the other pretends to go along for her friend’s sake, adds richness to the story.
Even with its COVID setting, Sick (2022) delivers plenty of slasher excitement. The pandemic backdrop adds to, rather than takes away from, the suspense. The film’s final act ties everything together beautifully, offering a strong and satisfying conclusion, showing that even during a worldwide crisis, a skillfully made slasher film can still hit home.
When it came out, Sick (2022) could only be watched on Peacock. This streaming service has a wide range of movies and TV shows that you can access with a subscription. Because Peacock works with many devices like Apple, Roku, and Amazon, it was easy for people to watch Sick (2022) when we first looked at the film.
Now on February 4th, 2025 sick is getting a 4K Ultra HD physical media release, you can order the definitive physical media edition of Sick (2022) right now.
Last Updated on January 16, 2025 by Horror Facts
