MOVIE REVIEW
Fang
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Genre: Drama, Horror
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Richard Burgin
Writer(s): Richard Burgin
Cast: Dylan LaRay, Lynn Lowry, Jess Paul, Tom White, Pete Berwick, Richard Burgin, Hilary Schwartz
Where To Watch: available now on Amazon Prime www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: From the shadowy alleys of Chicago (I love seeing anywhere in Illinois getting more screen time in movies) emerges a tale of unnerving transformations and psychological suspense in FANG. Billy Cochran, a seemingly typical guy, finds his world turning nightmarish after a rat bite propels him into a reality where mental collapse and eerie phenomena blend into a chilling narrative. The film guides us through this harrowing journey with a gripping precision that both captivates and horrifies.

Dylan LaRay immerses himself in the role of Billy, brilliantly portraying the slow disintegration of his character's psyche. Opposite him, Lynn Lowry, as Gina, delivers a performance filled with both fragility and harshness, depicting the tragic descent of dementia with depth. Adding a touch of serenity to the escalating tension is Jess Paul as Myra, whose role as the caregiver introduces a soothing presence amidst the growing storm within the Cochran home.

As Billy’s symptoms intensify, his belief that he is sprouting rat fur and his disturbing hallucinations blur the lines between delusion and reality. The film's direction captures these terrifying developments, enhancing the suspense with close-ups that draw viewers deeper into Billy's fracturing mind.

FANG's cinematography complements the narrative's dark tone, focusing on the constricted, shadow-laden spaces that symbolize Billy's mental confinement. The film further amplifies this tension through nightmarish sequences that ensure viewers are drawn into this world, wondering what psychological twist will unfold next.

A particularly engaging subplot is Billy’s refuge in drawing. His artwork, featuring scenes of a collapsing society, symbolizes his longing to escape the grim reality of his life. These drawings offer insights into a soul yearning for meaning and peace in an indifferent world.

However, the film has its hurdles; it is an independent film that sometimes shows its growing pains. While important to the story, the initial slow pacing felt the impact, potentially diluting the buildup of suspense. A more dynamic introduction of the horror elements earlier could have maintained consistent tension throughout FANG.

Despite these minor issues, FANG blends horror and psychological thriller with the look and feel of a modern-day indie. The performances by LaRay and Lowry are solid, bringing depth to their characters and making the film resonate. This film portrays inner demons and the transformative power of extreme personal crises, delivered with a raw, authentic story that is both engaging and unsettling.

Ultimately, FANG is a journey into the battles one faces with both internal fears and external realities. Set against the bleak backdrop of an indifferent world around them, it portrays a man's struggle against the darker corners of his mind, marked by an intense style that lingers with you in your mind. For anyone looking for a film that combines an emotional impact with some psychological twists, FANG is an experience that challenges the psyche and tugs at the heartstrings.

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[photo courtesy of CHICAGO SKY VIEW PRODUCTIONS, MALEVOLENT DARK]

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