Watch Stitches

Stitches is a horror-comedy film from Ireland that was released in 2012. The movie follows the story of Richard "Stitches" Grindle, a washed-up clown who meets a tragic end while performing at a birthday party for young Tom. Years later, on Tom's sixteenth birthday, Stitches is brought back from the dead to seek revenge on those who caused his untimely demise.

At the core of the story is Stitches, played by comedian Ross Noble. Noble's character is a foul-mouthed, womanizing clown who is the antithesis of what one might expect from a children's party entertainer. His crude jokes and bumbling antics leave children and adults alike in a state of shock and awe. However, when a prank from a group of kids leads to Stitches' death, it is easy to feel some sympathy for the poor clown.

Fast forward six years, and Tom, played by Tommy Knight, is now a teenager living with his mother following the death of his father. It is on Tom's sixteenth birthday that things start to take a dark turn. Unbeknownst to Tom, his friends have planned a wild party in his honor, complete with booze, drugs, and a plan to summon Stitches' spirit with a satanic ritual. It isn't long before Stitches comes back to seek revenge on the group of kids who caused his death years earlier.

As Stitches begins to exact his revenge, the movie takes some delightfully gruesome turns. The clown is brutally violent, using his juggling pins, balloon animals, and other clown-related props to dispatch his victims. However, despite the graphic violence, the movie never loses its sense of humor. Stitches' kills are often accompanied by a one-liner or a quip, keeping the tone firmly in the realm of horror-comedy.

As the movie progresses, it becomes clear that Stitches is not just seeking revenge on the group of kids who caused his death, but also on all of the children he ever entertained. His plan is to use Tom to summon an otherworldly creature that will allow him to take over the bodies of all the kids he ever performed for. It's a bizarre and twisted plot, but one that fits perfectly within the movie's tone.

One of the real strengths of Stitches is its visual style. Director Conor McMahon uses bold colors and inventive camera angles to create a creepy, otherworldly feel. The scenes involving Stitches' resurrection are particularly effective, using quick cuts and split screens to create a frenetic, almost chaotic, energy. McMahon also has a real knack for staging the movie's kills, using practical effects and inventive camera work to make them feel fresh and exciting.

The performances in the movie are also a highlight. Ross Noble should be commended for his portrayal of Stitches. He strikes just the right balance between comedic and villainous, making the character simultaneously hilarious and terrifying. Tommy Knight also does a great job as Tom, portraying the character as both sympathetic and flawed. The supporting cast, including Eoghan McQuinn as the leader of the group of kids and Gemma-Leah Devereux as Tom's crush, are all strong as well.

Of course, the movie is not without its flaws. At times, the humor can be a bit hit or miss, and not all of the kills land quite as well as others. Additionally, the film's climax (which involves the aforementioned otherworldly creature) feels a bit rushed and underdeveloped. However, overall, Stitches is a fun, unique horror-comedy that is worth checking out for fans of the genre.

In conclusion, Stitches is a fun, gory, and occasionally hilarious horror-comedy that stands out in a crowded field. Its unique visual style, inventive kills, and strong performances make it a movie that is well worth checking out. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate the movie's blend of humor and horror will find plenty to enjoy.

Stitches is a 2012 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.