Eli Roth's 'Ice Cream Man' receives low critical scores

The new horror film "Ice Cream Man," directed and co-written by Eli Roth, has debuted to mixed critical reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 26% approval rating based on initial reviews. Critics have largely criticized the film for a shallow script, noting that it relies heavily on extreme violence to compensate for a lack of narrative depth. Some reviewers characterized the dialogue and characterization as weak, while others noted the film's attempt at social commentary felt inconsistent.

Despite the low aggregate score, some perspectives highlight the film's grotesque visuals and energetic pacing. The plot follows a demonic, silent ice cream man in the town of Bayleen Bay whose treats turn children into superhuman, homicidal killers. Actor Ari Millen, who portrays the titular villain, described the character as a man driven by past wrongs who intends to prevent the corruption of children's minds, albeit through a sadistic and brutal methodology.