Critics Aren’t Screaming for Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man

Early reviews are arriving for Ice Cream Man, Eli Roth’s new horror movie opening in theaters on Aug. 7, and most critics are giving the film a chilly reception.

The movie currently holds a 23% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some reviewers have embraced its extreme violence, calling it “sick and twisted,” “depraved fun” and an unapologetic gorefest that may appeal to horror fans with strong stomachs.

Most critics, however, argue that the movie relies too heavily on gruesome kills and shock value. Once those elements lose their impact, reviewers say there isn’t enough story or character development to hold the film together.

Critics Say the Story Melts Away

Collider critic Shawn Van Horn praised the movie’s initial concept but felt Roth did not do enough with it.

“With Ice Cream Man, Roth has an interesting idea, but with so little behind it, the movie quickly melts,” Van Horn wrote.

Horror Press critic Luis Pomales-Diaz compared the film to a poorly prepared frozen treat, describing it as “a flat, one-dimensional, and mostly flavorless affair.”

Daily Dead critic Matt Donato offered a similar assessment, suggesting that the movie’s style and substance melt away before it can deliver anything memorable.

Not every critic disliked Roth’s latest creation. Film Threat critic Alan Ng celebrated the movie’s outrageous violence and willingness to push boundaries.

“Ice Cream Man is depraved fun served exactly how it should be—cold, messy, and with zero apologies,” Ng wrote. “Eli Roth made the movie only he would dare to make, and horror fans with a strong stomach should line up for a scoop.”

It’s Still Outperforming Borderlands

Despite its poor early rating, Ice Cream Man is currently receiving better reviews than Roth’s 2024 movie Borderlands, which holds a 10% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It is still a significant drop from the reception of Roth’s 2023 slasher Thanksgiving, which earned an 83% rating and was Certified Fresh.

Movies built around extreme violence and unusual concepts do not always connect with mainstream critics upon release. Some eventually develop devoted cult followings, and Ice Cream Man could find an audience among viewers looking for an unapologetically gruesome horror experience.

For now, however, Roth’s latest movie is shaping up to be anything but a critical favorite.

What Is Ice Cream Man About?

Written and directed by Roth, Ice Cream Man follows a mysterious ice cream vendor, played by Ari Millen, who begins serving frozen treats to children in the quiet suburban community of Bayleen Bay.

After eating the ice cream, the children become violently homicidal, throwing the town into chaos. As the attacks escalate, the adults must uncover what is happening before the entire community is destroyed.

The cast also includes Benjamin Byron Davis, Karen Cliche, Dylan Hawco and Sarah Abbott.

Ice Cream Man opens in theaters on Aug. 7, 2026.