[REVIEW] Abruptio
Abruptio 2023 is a new American horror film directed by Evan Marlowe that explores the story of Les Hackel, a man who discovers that an explosive device has been implanted in his neck. With the use of a bizaro style of storytelling, Marlowe employs the use of life-like puppets that add to the strangeness of the film. The film stars film and television royalty with the likes of James Marsters, Jordan Peele, Sid Haig, and Robert Englund lending their recognisable voices to the characters.
Les Hackels (James Marsters) leads a monotonous life. Every day, he works in a cubicle doing mundane tasks, often looking like a small cog in a big machine. Les also lives at home with his parents and was recently dumped by his girlfriend of two years. To cope with his struggles, he attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, in an attempt to maintain sobriety. One morning he wakes to find stitches at the back of his neck, seeking help from his best mate Danny, he is told that he has an explosive device implanted. Following the discovery, Les is forced to carry out a number of dangerous and illegal activities in an attempt to stop his head being blown to smithereens. One incident requires Les to take a briefcase into his office and unleash a poisonous gas that kills his co-workers. The requirements escalate throughout the film, messages requesting that Les perform more and more horrific acts of violence to maintain his safety.
Les encounters several individuals who significantly impact his efforts to survive throughout the film, including: Sid Haig (House of 1000 Corpses), Jordan Peele, Hana Mae Lee (The Babysitter: Killer Queens), and Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street). With a star-studded voice cast, Abruptio had the potential to be much more engaging for the audience. It is unfortunate that the film relied heavily on misogynistic which plague the protagonist and the ability to empathise with his struggle and story arc.
Marlow has mastered the art of puppetry in Abruptio, creating a sense of strangeness that taps into the audience's uncanny valley responses. The remarkable use of puppets throughout the film adds an element of surrealism and otherworldliness. In addition to the puppetry, the special effects have embedded a practical approach that demonstrates key puppet fabricator, Jeffrey S. Farley distinct stylings and influence on the film.
In Abruptio, there is a clear attempt to create a unique and engaging horror film. Unfortunately, the storytelling lacks the necessary momentum to maintain engagement throughout. The film's attempt to introduce a bizarro element falls short due to the problematic portrayal of the protagonist, Les, who relies heavily on misogyny. This detracts from the overall theme of the narrative, which could have been much more impactful if not for this unfortunate misstep. Despite these flaws, there are still some elements of the film that may appeal to horror fans, but overall, Abruptio falls short of its potential.
