Pop the popcorn and plop down on the sofa for more seasonal offerings from exciting genre festival, Popcorn Frights! After the jump, check out our full coverage and roundup of our reviews.
Films
LIVESCREAMERS
Full review at the link.
LIZZIE LAZARUS
Full review at the link.
SHERYL
(Written by Intern, Sean Barry) Mixing terror and comedy has been commonplace almost as long as the horror genre itself, but with films like Jennifer’s Body and Lisa Frankenstein, blood and guts are newly viewed through a uniquely feminist lens. Sheryl, takes a decidedly absurdist route, favoring eccentric characterization and gore over typical staples like ghosts and cryptids. When a kidnapping plot results in two dead accomplices, Ted (Shaan Sharma) decides to abruptly break up with his girlfriend, Sheryl (Anthea Neri). Sheryl, dumped for her perceived appearance, reevaluates her personal worth and attempts to find the perfect body. She enacts a plan to sever and steal facial features from those she deems worthy, in an endeavor to create a mask to make her feel beautiful at last. From the start, a darkly comedic tone is set as Sheryl and Ted brutalize two hostages and frivolously argue about their relationship. Anthea Neri gives a humorously enthralling performance of the psychotic titular anti-hero whose next move is always unknown. Writer/director Justin Best does not hold back as he takes bold swings with the story and inserts poignant messages throughout. In a moment of anger, Sheryl expounds a fascinating monologue about how women are perceived in society, and why she feels constantly unheard. While her words are necessary, they feel out of place in an otherwise satiric environment primarily filled with hollow, one-dimensional people. Male characters are cartoonishly horny and oblivious, while females worry excessively about looks and nothing else. As a result, the serious tone is indistinguishable from parody, thus making an unclear central purpose. Additionally, humor mostly dissipates when the third act approaches. Nonetheless, with a consistently witty script and dedicated central performances, Sheryl remains a certified wild ride from start to finish.
For more information on Popcorn Frights, head over to their official site for more information.