Street Trash, the 1987 cult movie that left an indelible mark with its tale of toxic booze's havoc in a crumbling New York neighborhood, now returns with a sequel. This new chapter continues the story in the dystopian landscape of Cape Town, South Africa. While the original had its iconic moments like a guy melting into a toilet and a unique game involving a severed penis, the new Street Trash introduces a host of likable characters and an energetic plot centered around a group of unhoused underdogs determined to stand up against the city's cruel mayor. And of course, it doesn't skimp on the gruesome special effects.

Relive the Oozing Havoc in a New Dystopian Setting

Expanding the Story Scope

When it came to remaking Street Trash, director Ryan Kruger wanted to break away from the confines of the original 1980s New York setting. By shifting the story to 2050 and setting it across the entire city of Cape Town, he aimed to be more creative and tell a stronger story. "The original was great for its gore, but I wanted to do something different," Kruger explained. "The setting in Cape Town allowed for more creative freedom in sound design and production. We could incorporate elements that made the film stand out and give it a unique feel." The references to various '70s, '80s, and '90s movies added another layer of depth, making the film a love letter to that era.

For instance, characters like 2-Bit with his red dungarees and yellow gloves were inspired by Roger Rabbit. Chef looked like Stanley Kubrick with his glasses and jacket. Alex was reminiscent of Ripley from Alien, and Slade and Clover had the essence of Escape From New York. These nods not only added nostalgia but also made the film more engaging for fans of those eras.

Special Effects: A Return to Practical Magic

In the original Street Trash, there were five major "melts." In the sequel, Kruger upped the ante with six or seven major melts. All the makeup effects were practical and done in-camera, harkening back to the '80s when movies focused on real prosthetics rather than quick visual effects. "Watching '80s movies, we missed the slow, immersive nature of practical effects. It's about creating that sense of reality on screen," Kruger said. "Making this film was like a dream come true. It was about recreating the magic of those childhood movies and having fun with it. When you're having fun, the film shows in every frame."

The attention to detail in the special effects was evident, from the meticulous creation of the melting effects to the realistic prosthetics. Each melt was a work of art, adding to the overall gruesomeness and impact of the film.

Low-Budget Horror: A New Wave of Fun

Being part of the new wave of low-budget but super-gruesome horror with Cineverse was an exciting experience for Kruger. "Terrifier is an amazing example of what can be done with a small budget and a lot of creativity," he said. "When Fried Barry came out, it had a similar impact. The horror genre has a loyal and fun audience, and it's great to be a part of that. I just want to keep making movies and exploring different genres. There's so much more to discover."

The success of films like Terrifier and Fried Barry showed that with the right vision and execution, low-budget horror can thrive. Street Trash is a testament to that, offering audiences a wild and gory ride.

Street Trash is out on digital today, November 19.Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.