In a retrospective, Chris Coffel of "Bloody Disgusting" praised the film, writing, ""The Mutilator" contains all the classic slasher tropes. A group of horny, drunk college kids head out for a booze filled weekend of sex. Instead of a cabin in the woods they go to a condo on a beach. Despite this, the film has something very fresh and original to it." Film scholar Jim Harper notes in his book "Legacy of Blood: A Comprehensive Guide to Slasher Movies", "Although not a gore classic, "The Mutilator" is bloodthirsty enough to keep gorehounds happy, and just interesting enough to keep hold of viewers through the slow parts."