PopHorror Let's Get Scared
There is something about creature features that offers up a whole new level of creativity in horror. Not only does this subgenre serve as filmmaker’s own most terrible monster, but it also opens an imaginative world of options. From origin stories to motives (or lack thereof) to serious drama to over the top, WTF territory, the possibilities are endless! French filmmaker Tristan Convert (The Black Cat AKA Le chat noir 2010) chose the latter tone for his comedic horror film, Scratch, which boasts tons of suspenseful, fun-filled laughs from start to finish!
Aspiring filmmakers Jack (Chris Bound) and Dave (Joseph Martone) hope to catch their big break by filming a music video for a local metal band at the old abandoned Los Angeles zoo. Little do they know that local Shela (Katarina Leigh Waters: Karate Kill – read our review here, Killing Joan – read our review here) was lurking nearby. After coming into contact with some unidentified, goo-covered bones, she turned feral and mauled her pervy date. Late to the video shoot but early to the party is Ted (Charles Chudabala: Irrational Fear – read our review here, Ugly Sweater Party – read our review here), the band’s bassist, who stumbles into Shela’s path and becomes her first recruit to the wild side.
Bound and Martone play off one another with seemingly natural chemistry as a struggling and desperate filmmaking duo grasping at straws with high hopes, little talent and bare-bone resources. Joining these two in this 51 minute film are several recognizable faces who have caught my attention on more than one occasion. While we only see a picture on a phone’s Caller ID, Rachel Amanda Bryant (The Campus – read our review here) makes an appearance as Jack’s girlfriend, Jenny, who’s interruptions constantly get under her boyfriend’s skin. However, he’ll soon wish that was the only thing scratching under his flesh.
Waters and Chudabala also stand out with their provocatively wild performances, unleashing their inner primal selves as they hunt their prey, giving new meaning to the City of Angels eating you alive. Other performances sparking laughter and suspense include Myles Cranford as The Ranger with a drill sergeant attitude and Richard Roddy as a guitarist named Louis who gives no fucks. If any standard horror film has taught us anything, it’s that neither of these guys are candidates to play the hero. That is left to Daniele Watts as the metal band’s lead singer, Samantha, who just may save the day.
Adding to the WTF moments in Scratch are the cinematic effects. In the cave and death scenes, the random changes in color and slow/fast motion amplifies the insanity of wild, animalistic fornication. Yes… I said wild animalistic fornication. Also, the kaleidoscopic imagery that signifies viral infection with flashes of the city jungle dovetailing into shots of the untamed wilderness is one wacky trip that somehow works.
Before I go, I have one last thing I want to mention. Since I have been given permission to share Scratch with our readers, you can check it out for yourself, FREE OF CHARGE! – by following the link below. If you’re into quirky indie creature features, you’ll want to feast your eyes on this walk on the wild side. You can watch it for yourself by clicking HERE.
