For reasons completely lost somewhere in the foggy, cobweb-covered corridors of this reviewer’s mind, Eli Roth has become a rather divisive figure among horror and genre fans. Some eagerly line up for whatever deliciously demented nightmare he has cooked up next, while others approach his films as though they’ve just discovered a suspicious noise coming from the basement. Not quite as prolific as one might think, Roth nevertheless has a new movie now playing in theaters: the simply and sweetly titled ICE CREAM MAN (2026). Produced by his company, The Horror Section, which has an exclusive distribution deal with Iconic Events Releasing, the film follows, according to IMDb, “An idyllic summer town descends into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with horrifying results.” Suddenly, that extra scoop doesn’t sound quite so appealing.

Directed by Eli Roth and co-written by Noah Belson, ICE CREAM MAN also features Snoop Dogg as a producer, with the legendary artist providing the song that plays over the film’s end credits. The cast includes Ari Millen, Charlie Zeltzer, and others, while Sarah Abbott may just deliver the film’s breakout performance as Lizzie. But while the ice cream may be sweet, the response has been considerably more mixed, with both critics and audiences serving up mostly mediocre reviews. So, is the film genuinely deserving of its chilly reception, or has Eli Roth’s name on the carton caused some viewers to reach for the dislike button before taking their first bite?

Your co-hosts grab their spoons, check carefully for anything lurking beneath the sprinkles, and dig into ICE CREAM MAN to find out. Is this a devilishly delicious serving of summertime horror, a scoop of misunderstood madness, or something that should have been left melting on the sidewalk? Join us as we taste-test Eli Roth’s latest nightmare and give you our thoughts—brain freeze and all.