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Friday the 13th

film by Cunningham [1980]

Quick Summary

Friday the 13th is a 1980 American slasher film directed by Sean S. Cunningham. The film follows a group of camp counselors at the newly reopened Camp Crystal Lake who are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant. This film is known for its suspenseful build-up and shocking kills, contributing to the popularity of the "psycho-slasher" subgenre that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.1

The movie was a commercial success, despite its low budget and critical reception. It spawned a long-running franchise, with numerous sequels, a television series, and a remake, solidifying its place in horror film history. The film's success was part of a trend of successful, low-budget horror films that capitalized on sensationalism and graphic violence, a trend that followed the success of films like Halloween (1978).1

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