Beasterday

In Beasterday, directors Zack Snygg and Steve Rudzinski bring a fantastical, whimsical, and horrific tale to life. The movie stars Jon Arthur, Kristina Beaudouin, Valerie Bittner, Alison Bodell, Darian Caine, and Tom Cikoski. Best described as a blend of comedy, drama, and perhaps surprisingly, horror, Beasterday steps away from the typical on-screen depictions of the well-loved Easter holiday.

The film revolves around a fascinating and unconventional interpretation of the Easter Bunny. Jon Arthur portrays P. Whittaker, the mayor of a small town who hides a dark secret. Kristina Beaudouin plays the role of his daughter, Daisy, a sharp-witted young woman who embarks on a journey to reveal her father’s secret to the town people. Valerie Bittner is cast as the ambitious local reporter, Bev, who's always seeking the next big scoop, while Alison Bodell plays the part of an animal control officer tasked with controlling an uncontrollable situation. The ensemble cast also includes Darian Caine and Tom Cikoski, who deliver convincing performances making the movie a must-watch.

The film's story is embedded in the mythical and gentle creature traditionally known for hopping from garden to garden, delivering colorful eggs and candy to children. However, in the world of Beasterday, the beloved bunny isn't so benign. Instead, this Easter Bunny is colossal, carnivorous, and thirsty for human. This puts the whole town – and eventually, perhaps the entire world – in danger.

With its absurd premise, Beasterday could have easily veered into the territory of the banal or the ridiculously infantile. Still, thanks to the direction and screenplay, it cleverly weaves a narrative that is both engaging and intricately layered. The film manages to maintain a darkly humorous tone, lending it a distinct voice that firmly places Beasterday within the realm of black comedy and horror. Its oddly humorous take on a typically benign symbol of a cherished holiday only enhances its overall bizarre charm.

Parallels can be drawn between Beasterday and vintage B-movies, given its low-budget production and the exaggerative storyline. It is hard not to appreciate the attempt the creators made in producing a film that's entertaining and thought-provoking, with a retro vibe. The creature design is intentionally exaggerated to the point of ridiculousness, infusing the movie with a dose of dark humor, almost verging on satirical.

Despite the bizarre and terror-laden plot, Beasterday pays careful attention to character development. The relationships amongst the characters are complex, and the film does a good job of exploring friendship, family dynamic, duty, and societal responsibility amongst its main characters. The dialogue is snappy, the timing impeccable, and each actor rises to the occasion to bring out the nuanced personalities and motivations of their characters effectively.

The cinematography, given the budget constraints, is commendably accomplished. From the first frame to the last, Beasterday is a visual delight. Cinematographer Jay Wasley captures the eerie charm of the fictitious small town with a careful eye and the large bunny rampage is filmed with a delightful combination of horror and hilarity.

Beasterday is a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, allowing the audience to embark on an imaginative cinematic journey. This movie, with its unique, humorous, and horrifying twist on Easter traditions, is bound to leave viewers with memorable impressions. The blend of elements from various genres helps to create a narrative that is anything but predictable, leading to unexpected plot turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

In the end, Beasterday is a successful ode to low-budget monster movies and a demonstration of what can be achieved when creativity is combined with a willingness to push boundaries. It’s a refreshing addition to the oeuvre of comedic horror, possessing a charm that cannot be denied. Despite its offbeat premise and fantastical elements, it offers an engaging exploration of the human tendency to bury dark secrets and the consequences when they come out. This film is compelling and worth watching for anyone who appreciates unconventional and innovative cinematic storytelling.