Carved (2024) is a horror-comedy film directed by Justin Harding, expanding upon his 2018 “Huluween” short into a full-length feature. Set in 1993, the story unfolds in a quaint small town during its annual Halloween festival, which features a pumpkin-carving contest as its main attraction. The protagonist, Kira (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), is a teenage playwright with aspirations for Broadway, who has poured her heart into directing the festival’s stage musical. She shares a close bond with her younger brother, Trevor (Wyatt Lindner), as they navigate life together after the loss of their parents.

The narrative takes a dark turn when a local stoner, Clint (Matty Cardarople), discovers a massive, discolored pumpkin in a patch affected by a recent toxic waste spill. Intending to carve it for the contest, Clint unwittingly unleashes a monstrous, sentient pumpkin that sprouts vine-like tentacles and embarks on a murderous rampage. The creature targets festival-goers, leading to gruesome and comically gory deaths. Kira, Trevor, and a group of eccentric townsfolk, including Kira’s boyfriend Cody (Corey Fogelmanis) and the local corn farmer Earl (Chris Elliott), must band together to survive the night and stop the vengeful pumpkin’s assault.

The film blends nostalgic ’90s references, juvenile humor, and a series of over-the-top kill scenes. While the storyline is thin and the characters are portrayed as one-dimensional stereotypes, the movie maintains a playful tone with visual creativity. The final 15 minutes offer some redeeming fun, making it a lighthearted watch for those seeking unserious entertainment. However, some critiques point out that the film’s pacing drags, with characters spending too much time moving without purpose, leading to a lack of real tension. Overall, “Carved” is a charming teen scream slasher that delivers fun kill scenes but doesn’t exceed expectations.