When Opposites Attract Trouble
MOVIE REVIEW
Fck'n Nuts
-
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Short
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 9m
Director(s): Sam Fox
Writer(s): Sam Fox
Cast: Maddie Nichols, Vincent Stalba, William E. Harris, Michele Rossi
Where To Watch: opens Season 11 of Bloody Bites on Screambox on October 4th at 8 pm ET/PT, ALTER streaming 2025
RAVING REVIEW: Don’t read up on what this is about; just go into it without ruining the surprise for yourself and enjoy! My review will be spoiler-free, but I fear many won’t be. In Sam Fox's FCK’N NUTS, the worlds of horror and comedy collide with a splash of sheer absurdity, creating a spectacle as intriguing as it is hilarious. This short film features Maddie Nichols as Sandy, navigating the waters of a new romance with her delightfully naive suitor, Dan, played by Vincent Stalba. Their budding relationship hits a snag when it crashes into the world of family introductions, turning what should be a standard meet-and-greet with the parents into a scene out of your wildest nightmares.
Fox's film takes a deep dive into the dynamics of romantic relationships under the pressure of family scrutiny, blending dark humor with horror and comedy to spotlight the awkwardness of meeting the parents. This narrative pivot is not just for show—it serves as a lens to explore themes of personal space and relational boundaries.
Visually, FCK’N NUTS is a feast for the eyes. Brooke H. Cellars orchestrated the film’s production design, and Daniel Waghorne's cinematography drenched the viewer's senses in a neon glow that transforms everyday settings into a liminal, almost otherworldly stage. And then a perfect creep into a nearly TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACREesque vibe. This visual presentation creates a stark contrast that emphasizes the film’s theme: the ordinary turned extraordinary.
The lead performances are a critical anchor for the film's fantastical elements. Nichols perfectly captures Sandy’s mounting panic, which complements Stalba's portrayal of Dan’s oblivious, lovestruck persistence. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, providing a solid foundation that keeps the audience invested in their fate amidst the growing chaos.
A standout feature of FCK’N NUTS is its bold embrace of gross-out humor and body horror elements, particularly as the film's short run time nears its end. These scenes are balanced with lighter moments, ensuring the film remains engaging and palatable for audiences who might shy away from darker themes.
William E. Harris and Michele Rossi, who play Sandy’s peculiar parents, play supporting roles that help to amplify the film’s comedic and eerie vibes, effectively contributing to the buildup of its absurdity. Their performances, innovative practical effects, and makeup elevate the surreal atmosphere Fox aims to capture.
One of FCK’N NUTS' defining achievements is its coherent and complete storytelling within a compressed format. This makes the film’s conclusion feel like a proper resolution of its characters' emotional and physical journeys. However, don’t fool yourself; once you get a taste of this world, you’ll be left wanting more!
FCK’N NUTS is a testament to Sam Fox’s visionary filmmaking. It entertains with a unique blend of scares, laughs, and chaos and offers insightful commentary on the complexities of love, family, and the need for boundaries. This film is a must-watch not only for fans of horror comedies but for anyone who appreciates cinema that pushes genre boundaries while providing a delightful experience.
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[photo courtesy of SAM FOXY FILMS, COSMIC FAMILY FILMS]
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