Slicing Into the Heart of Indie Horror

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MOVIE REVIEW
Meat Cleaver!
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Genre: Comedy, Horror, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 15m
Director(s): Jared Asher Harris
Writer(s): Jared Asher Harris
Cast: Jessica Ruth Bell, Socorro Jones, David Fyne, Rob Moore
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 FilmQuest Film Festival, available to stream here: www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: MEAT CLEAVER! emerges as a flawless film, brilliantly encapsulating the visionary talents of Jared Asher Harris. Harris has seamlessly transitioned from creating stunning music videos into the intriguing and warped world of short films, presenting a fresh blend of horror, comedy, and fantasy that captivates audiences. His unique approach has transformed this vibrant and whimsically eerie film into a standout phenomenon within the indie film scene.

The film's grab for the Best Horror Film award at the LA International Shorts Festival underscores its appeal and the magnetic pull of Harris's narrative craftsmanship. The balance Harris achieves between humor and horror does not merely entertain; it enhances the film's suspense and enriches its depth.

The heart of MEAT CLEAVER! is its poignant reflection of Harris's life adversities—battling chronic illness and personal losses—which he channels into his filmmaking. This personal investment infuses the film with authenticity and passion, making it more than a cinematic venture; it's a narrative of resilience and artistic metamorphosis. His journey from directing music videos, notably with Hozier, to creating a narrative film marks a pivotal evolution in his career, with MEAT CLEAVER! as a testament to his refined artistic vision.

Visually, the film is nothing short of mesmerizing. Harris’ vivid colors and meticulous details create a surreal, hauntingly beautiful world that blurs the lines between life and the afterlife, pulling viewers into an immersive experience. Among the standout performances is Jessica Ruth Bell’s portrayal of Wendy, whose journey through the quirky horrors of the afterlife is portrayed with an equal measure of heart and passion. Her character's cunning and confusion as she navigates this bizarre realm highlight the need for more unique and powerful female roles like Wendy in cinema. Bell’s screen presence and charm are captivating; the world needs more of her! Her performance, alongside supporting roles of David Fyne, Socorro Jones, and Rob Moore, creates the perfect balance, adding humor and gravity to the unfolding outlandish elements.

Any critique you could find in this film pales in comparison to the film's imaginative scope and the emotional weight of its narrative. This debut showcases Harris’ profound understanding of human emotions interwoven with existential musings, explored through a tale that is both engaging and enlightening.

Harris has a bright future, and whoever sees this potential and backs his next project will reap the rewards of welcoming a new visionary into genre filmmaking! His ability to intertwine his unique vision with universal themes gives the film a distinctive quality that resonates with audiences. Whether he expands this captivating narrative into a full-length feature (PLEASE let this happen!) or explores new creative avenues, his trajectory in the industry is marked by significant growth and influence. His knack for blending visual beauty with deep emotional narratives promises further success and potentially more groundbreaking films.

MEAT CLEAVER! is a welcome conversation about overcoming adversity through creative expression. The film establishes Harris as a significant voice in contemporary cinema. It sets a high standard for the innovation and depth we should expect from the films of tomorrow. The world needs more of Wendy and the rest of the cast, along with the inventive realms Harris dares to explore, pushing the boundaries of genre and storytelling to thrilling new heights.

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