Sorority Row (2009) Review: Slick, Stylish Slasher Remake with Sharp Humour and Bloody Fun

Title:
Sorority Row (2009)

Writer(s):
Josh Stolberg, Pete Goldfinger

Director:
Stewart Hendler

Main Cast: Actor (Character):
Briana Evigan (Cassidy), Rumer Willis (Ellie), Leah Pipes (Jessica), Margo Harshman (Chugs), Jamie Chung (Claire), Audrina Patridge (Megan)

Synopsis

A group of sorority sisters at Theta Pi decide to play a cruel prank that goes horribly wrong, resulting in the accidental death of one of their own. Vowing to keep the incident secret, the women cover up the crime and go their separate ways—until graduation night, when they find themselves stalked by a mysterious killer who seems to know their dark secret. As the bodies pile up, the sisters must uncover who is behind the mask before it’s too late.

What Works

Sorority Row is a slick, self-aware slasher remake that pays homage to the 1980s original (The House on Sorority Row) while injecting modern energy and dark humour. The film embraces genre tropes but adds a polished, fast-paced edge, with sharp dialogue and strong production values.

The cast brings a mix of charm and attitude, particularly Leah Pipes as the biting, sarcastic Jessica and Briana Evigan as the more grounded, moral centre of the group. The kills are inventive and gory enough to satisfy slasher fans, with practical effects adding a visceral punch. The cinematography and lighting lend a stylish, glossy look that enhances the film’s college horror aesthetic.

There’s also a welcome streak of humour and irony throughout, acknowledging the absurdity of the genre while still delivering suspense and scares. The pacing remains brisk, and the film never overstays its welcome.

What Doesn’t Work

While fun and stylish, Sorority Row doesn’t break much new ground. Its plot follows familiar slasher beats, and genre-savvy viewers will likely predict many of its twists. Some character development is thin, and a few performances veer into camp, which may divide audiences.

The film also struggles to balance its tone at times, oscillating between serious horror and satire without fully committing to either. The killer’s motivation, when revealed, feels underwhelming compared to the film’s strong setup.

Final Thoughts: Does It Hold Up?

Yes, particularly as a slick and entertaining entry in 2000s slasher cinema. Sorority Row doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it embraces its formula with style, humour, and confidence. It’s a fun, fast-paced ride that delivers both nostalgia and contemporary edge.

Who Would Enjoy This Episode?

• Fans of modern slashers and remakes.
• Viewers who enjoy dark humour mixed with horror.
• Audiences looking for glossy, well-produced college horror.
• Fans of Scream, Urban Legend, and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

• Those seeking deep psychological horror or originality.
• Viewers who dislike camp or meta humour in horror.
• Audiences expecting emotional depth or complex characters.

Final Verdict

Sorority Row (2009) is a stylish, blood-soaked slasher with sharp humour and plenty of attitude. While it doesn’t redefine the genre, it’s a confident and entertaining modern remake that delivers exactly what fans expect: thrills, kills, and just the right amount of sorority drama.