Slither

In a sleepy seaside town, a meteor crash ignites something strange in the dark. A parasitic alien latches onto residents, transforming them into skittering zombies and misshapen monsters. Civilian fear spreads as outbreaks ripple through the streets, turning ordinary neighbors into threats. Sheriff Bill Pardy, a level headed man with a wry sense of humor, tries to keep order as the situation deteriorates. He forms a uneasy alliance with a handful of locals, including Starla Grant and Kylie Strutomyer, who each bring practical courage to the crisis. As the infection marches forward, the community must decide who they can trust while the town fights to survive the escalating horror. The town's isolation and the rapid spread push the characters to improvise.

Slither arrived in 2006 marking James Gunn's feature directorial debut. The original screenplay leans into B movie creature tropes with a sharp sense of humor and practical effects that give the alien menace a tactile feel, playful yet menacing today.

The movie grossed about 12.8 million worldwide against a 15 million budget, a modest return that helped Slither cultivate a devoted following on home video and streaming. Its domestic box office is modest, but the film found a later audience.

Among horror fans it is remembered for its earnest camp, over the top gross-outs, and the performances of Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker. The movie helped position James Gunn as a director who blends satire with creature mayhem in a new way. The film's quirky tone influenced later horror comedies.

Critics highlighted Slither's balance of grotesque humor and scares, noting its affectionate parody of small town life and alien invasion tropes. Some praised the practical effects and performances, especially Fillion and Rooker, while others found the script uneven. The film emphasizes partnership and resilience as residents confront the invasion.