PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Our coverage of Fantasia Fest 2018 continues with Clayton Jacobson’s Brothers’ Nest, a pitch black comedy about brothers who are planning the elaborately detailed murder of their stepfather, hoping to inspire their dying mother to include them in her last will and testament.
Though it sounds far from funny on paper (unless you’re harboring some wicked animosity against your own parents, in which case you should seek help immediately), the way that the brothers clash, as well as the dialogue between them, surprisingly lends itself to several genuine chuckles. Much of Brothers’ Nest plays with that air of underlying humor, even when the characters are behaving reprehensibly, while simultaneously exuding a suffocating amount of character and situational tension. There are moments throughout the film when I could practically feel my nerves shredding. As director, Jacobson proves a master of his specific craft, seamlessly blending these conflicting tones to form something cohesive and all his own.
That’s not all that Jacobson brings to the table, however. The titular brothers of the film are played by Clayton and his real-life sibling, Shane. As Jeff, the eldest brother and heartless mastermind behind the plan, Clayton shines, elevating the tension with his domineering, selfish existence. Jeff appears to be in complete control of the situation, frequently ragging on his less-prepared little brother, but as his true motives become clear – and his actions more depraved – it’s evident that he lost control of his life, and himself, long ago.
Equally great is Shane Jacobson, who plays Jeff’s little brother, Terry. The moral compass of the film, Terry finds something as trivial as telling a white lie to be difficult, so the thought of killing his stepfather proves to be more than he can handle. Though he’s been all but forced there by his brother, Terry frequently tries to convince Jeff why they should stop what they’re doing and return home. When the brothers are ultimately pitted against each other, we root for Terry due to Shane’s believable compassion. Terry may be tormented by the miserable things happening in his life, but he’s a good guy that wants what’s best for everyone.
The Jacobson brothers carry the film by themselves until after the halfway mark, so they deserve much of the credit for Brothers’ Nest being so effortlessly watchable. However, the supporting cast, though they’re featured significantly less, is also noteworthy. Kym Gyngell is brilliant as stepfather Rodger, briefly staying true to our cold expectations of him, then shattering that notion entirely with his sincere, fleshed-out performane. Sarah Snook, too, though only featured for a singular moment, is given the greatest joke of the film, and her comedic timing is gold.
Brothers’ Nest won’t be for everyone, as its success ultimately depends on your own taste in humor. If it doesn’t match your preferred brand, you may be turned off by the film’s uneventful, talky first act. However, patient viewers are ultimately treated to an intense finale that remains true to the movie’s dysfunctional tone – and family drama is always interesting when it isn’t yours, right?
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