Assholes

Assholes is a 2017 film directed by Peter Vack and features Betsey Brown, Patrick Labella, and Jack Dunphy in the principal roles. This indie flick is a fusion of horror, comedy, and romance genres - a unique concoction in the movie industry. The movie challenges traditional movie making norms, and audaciously explores a wild, slightly dark side of the human psyche.

The movie focuses on the life of Adah (Betsey Brown) and Aaron (Jack Dunphy). This eccentric couple meets at their shared therapist's office and instantly strikes a bond over their mutual obsession with intervention and their fascination with each other's idiosyncrasies. They soon become romantically involved but their journey together unravels into a spiraling wave of reckless behavior. As this pair descends into the abyss of self-debasement and obsession, the film paints a rather satirical and absurd portrayal of modern relationships, while maintaining its artistic charm throughout.

Patrick Labella plays Adah’s brother, Adam, who maintains a layered and complicated relationship with the lead couple, further intensifying the narrative. This platform allows the film to explore the chaotic cycle of addiction and recovery. Brown, Labella, and Dunphy all bring a captivating authenticity to their parts, pulling the audience in, making them a part of their journey where the lines between the horrifyingly grotesque and hilariously funny are blurred.

Beyond the love story of Adah and Aaron, the setting of New York City serves as a perfect backdrop to this brash story. The urban setting serves as a reflection of their lives, noisy and busy, clashing with their internal struggle and the chasm growing between them and the society they live in. The film beautifully juxtaposes the allure and complexity of the city against the twisted romantic narrative, adding layers of depth to the storytelling.

Assholes is not your average love story nor is it a straightforward comedy. Instead, it daringly navigates the grey areas of human relationships through the lens of psychological examination. Its dark humor consistently challenges the comfort zones of its audience, pushing the boundaries of conventional narratives. Director Peter Vack showcases a bold artistic vision, walking an unorthodox path, using bizarre visuals amid an eccentric narrative and delivering something unexpectedly interesting. Vack, through a distorted lens, intensifies the reality that is commonly overlooked in the conventional portrayal of love relationships in films.

The film uses a combination of unconventional and standard filmmaking techniques that expertly heightens the surrealism of the plot. Assholes is a provocative film that utilizes the grotesque to emphasize the macabre beauty in the love story. Due to its unique narrative style, it is not a film for the faint-hearted but rather it hooks those viewers who have a penchant for audacious storytelling.

Its creative use of horror elements adds an intriguing layer to the romantic storyline, mixing the repulsive with the endearing to create an unpredictable and unorthodox narrative. The screenplay encourages the audience to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of Adah and Aaron’s relationship, while also pushing the boundaries of their tolerance about what can be considered acceptable behavior.

Assholes is a bold experiment in the realm of independent cinema. It marries the seemingly incompatible genres of horror, comedy, and romance in one audacious package. It blurs the line between love and obsession, and the line between good taste and crassness, challenging the audience’s understanding of contemporary relationships. The unique performances by Betsey Brown, Patrick Labella, and Jack Dunphy add another layer of intricacy. Filled with satirical humor, grotesque horror elements, and a twisted romance angle, it's definitely an unforgettable cinematic experience that bravely ventures into unconventional territories.