Man-Versus-Nature: an Unconventional Comedy of Beavers

Read Time:4 Minute, 9 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Hundreds of Beavers
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Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Action
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Mike Cheslik
Writer(s): Mike Cheslik, Ryland Brickson, Cole Tews
Cast: Olivia Graves, Doug Mancheski, Luis Rico, Wes Tank, Ryland Brickson, Cole Tews
Where To Watch: screenings will kick off in Minneapolis, MN on January 26 at the Showplace Icon Theater and conclude in Toronto on February 10 at the Fox. Following the Roadshow, Hundreds of Beavers will go on screening across the United States for runs in New York City (IFC Center beginning February 27), Los Angeles (Laemmle Glendale beginning March 15), Atlanta (Plaza Theater on February 9), Charlotte (The Independent Picture House beginning March 29) and more.

RAVING REVIEW: In the grand landscape of cinematic storytelling, HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS hits the sweet spot between outlandish humor and classic survivalist tales. Mike Cheslik, a newcomer to the world of feature direction, steps confidently onto the stage with this homage to the silent movie era, blended with a hefty dose of eccentricity and just a dash of Looney Tunes. The movie gives us a taste of resilience and triumph, narrated through animation, in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

Our protagonist is the cheerful applejack merchant, a man content with his life, who encounters an unexpected obstacle: a swarm of greedy beavers. The creatures devour his supplies, forcing his hand, portrayed by Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, to switch trades and dive into the world of fur trapping. His new objective is to restore his depleted fortune by combating the very enemies that brought about his downfall.

With Tews as the lead and co-writer of this adventure, the story’s heart beats strong. Previously drenched in cider and merriment, his life abruptly turns when a horde of beavers wastes his livelihood. With losing his income, he must brave the biting chill of a northeastern winter and prove himself to Doug Mancheski’s hardy trading post operator. All the while, he aspires to win the affection of the merchant’s daughter (Olivia Graves,) adding another layer to the story.

As the story unfolds, we find ourselves in a world that mirrors the wildness of well-known survival epics. The focus of our once-prosperous merchant shifts from selling cider to trapping beavers in a desperate bid to stave off starvation. Tews delivers an admirable performance as the cider merchant.

In HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS, Cheslik blends comedy and quirkiness while nodding to the past, carving out a fresh take on the classic man-versus-nature trope. The silent film aspect enhances the film’s allure and holds the audience’s attention despite the runtime. The film, an eclectic mix of physical comedy with a dash of frontier vibes, often wanders into realms of fantasy, setting it apart from others. The visual appeal of the film is a huge selling point for me.

Jean Kayak’s journey shows him grappling with everything from fish to raccoons, and eventually, the intimidating beavers are depicted with a balanced dose of humor and sensitivity. In his quest for survival and love, her father sets him on a formidable task: to collect hundreds of beavers.

Crafted by the creative partnership of Cheslik and Tews, HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS, both a tribute to silent cinema and a tale of survival and love, invites audiences on a journey filled with laughter, struggles, and surprising romance. The film, set against a fur trapper and an army of beavers, is a must-watch for those who appreciate a blend of historical liberties, comedic undertones, and the thrill of unexpected narrative turns.

HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS has left its mark in film festivals, earning accolades, including Best Narrative Feature at various international platforms, such as Kansas City, Oxford, Capital City, and Wyoming. Cheslik’s directorial flair has also landed him the Best Director award at the Wyoming and Phoenix Film Festivals. After four years of conception and a demanding twelve-week shoot in the frosty conditions of Wisconsin and Michigan, HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS beckons the viewer to partake in a cinematic journey worth every minute.

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[photo courtesy of SRH]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals’ extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I’m steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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