MOVIE REVIEW
A Most Atrocious Thing
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Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 15m
Director(s): Christian Hurley, Ben Oliphint
Writer(s): Christian Hurley, Ben Oliphint, Dylan DeVol, Max Shepardson
Cast: Ben Oliphint, Dylan Devol, Christian Hurley, Will Ammann, Matt Wassong, Bryan Taira, Max Shepardson, Johnny Nordquist, Grant Oliphint, Lloyd Kaufman, Keenan Woodall, Noah Marger, Will Peters
Where To Watch: World premiere at the 2024 Seattle Make Believe Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Striking a balance between creativity and constraint, A MOST ATROCIOUS THING occupies the cinematic middle ground with an entertaining yet somewhat familiar story. Crafted on a lean budget of $5,000, this film embarks on a thrilling and still well-trodden path through the wilderness where laughter and dread intermingle seamlessly. This horror-comedy mashup presents a weekend trip that spirals into a nightmarish scenario, thanks to some unsavory venison, underlining the narrative with genuine moments of camaraderie amidst the chaos.

The Colorado wilderness provides a picturesque yet foreboding background for this tale of survival and friendship gone awry. The film throws suspense and humor into its fabric, propelled by an ensemble cast that brings their real-world rapport onto the screen, enriching the story with authentic interactions and a palpable sense of unity. This authentic portrayal is one of the film’s standout features, inviting viewers into this tight-knit group facing extraordinary circumstances.

Yet, for all its strengths, A MOST ATROCIOUS THING doesn’t shy away from treading familiar ground, echoing age-old horror genre tropes with a reverence that works for and against it. While a nod to the classics, the film occasionally finds itself trapped in the predictability of its narrative and an overdependence on humor that might not ultimately be for everyone. The reliance on stoner and bro-centric jokes, though a significant element of its charm for some, could alienate viewers looking for a more universally appealing brand of comedy. To be clear, if that’s your cup of tea, you’ll likely love the experience.

Despite these pitfalls, the film’s technical achievements cannot be understated. Its adept use of limited resources showcases the crew's impressive ingenuity and determination, particularly in some fun special effects and overall visuals. The atmospheric Colorado setting is fully exploited, creating lingering isolation and dread. Moreover, introducing an unexpected antagonist adds a fresh layer to the traditional wilderness survival plot, heightening the tension and unpredictability of the narrative.

A MOST ATROCIOUS THING exemplifies the mixed bag that indie filmmaking often presents. It’s a testament to what passion, creativity, and a tight-knit cast and crew can achieve, even with limited financial resources. The film blends horror and comedy, albeit leaning heavily towards humor and genre conventions that may not resonate universally. It offers a distinctive take on survival, friendship, and the chaos that ensues when the untamed wilderness strikes back. It is a fitting pick for those who revel in the indie horror-comedy genre and can appreciate the effort and creativity in bringing such a vision to life. This cinematic adventure demonstrates that the journey can be as rewarding as the destination. You’re in the right company and armed with a sense of humor about the wild twists life can throw.

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[photo courtesy of BOXFORT, CAMP WASSONG PRODUCTIONS, GIANT PICTURES]

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