Cut And Chop

Cut And Chop, a film released in 2020, is a dark and peculiar blend of comedy and horror that deftly explores the psyche and world of an amateur actor transitioning to an unexpected role. Directed by Drew Hale who also stars in the film, Cut And Chop keeps us on the edge of our seats, making us laugh one moment with its bizarrely humourous bits before shocking us with unanticipated horror. Co-stars Varda Appleton and Shane Woodson deliver captivating performances, adding another layer of intrigue to this already complex plot.

The movie begins by introducing us to Tom (Drew Hale), a struggling actor making ends meet by working as a costumed pork mascot in a company owned by Nick (Shane Woodson). Tom is passionate about his craft and dreams of having his shot at a breakthrough role. With a head full of aspirations and a mind drawn to the philosophical and psychological aspects of life, Tom is not your average mundane struggling actor. His peculiarities are what make this character intriguing from the get-go.

Tom’s life takes a turn when he's offered a role in a horror film. Diving headfirst into the opportunity, he adopts an unusual approach to prepare for his character. He begins to imitate the brutal mannerisms of his role, a butcher, in his daily life – a devotion that gradually begins to blur the lines between his real life and his character’s world. This is where Cut And Chop transitions from a comedic commentary on the life of an aspiring actor to a chilling horror film.

As Tom journeys further into his character, the demeanor of the lovable, quirky actor transforms into something far darker and more dangerous. He adopts the habits and routines of a butcher in an attempt to internalize their mindset, and soon the boundaries of the character he's playing start to fade. This descent into obsession and madness, under the guise of method acting, is narrated with a spectacular blend of horror and dark comedy.

Varda Appleton's character, Bree - Tom's girlfriend - brings another dimension to the chaotic environment. With her own aspirations and struggling aspect, she navigates and confronts the absurdity of her boyfriend's unconventional approach to acting as her concern for him grows.

Shane Woodson's character, Nick, as the boss and only constant source of financial stability for Tom, portrays an interesting dynamic of feelings ranging from standard business detachment to growing apprehension for Tom's escalating characters' tendencies.

What sets Cut And Chop apart from the typical films in this genre is the expert narrative control. Despite its unexpected shifts from comedy to downright horror and the terrifying transformation that the protagonist undergoes, the film never crosses into absurdity unwarranted by the plot.

The cinematography is visually stunning, enhancing the tension between the characters and emphasizing the unease with effective lighting and framing. The relatively small cast complements the tight narrative, allowing the film to focus on the compelling character development, and the script is smart, delivering witty humor and unnerving horror in equal measures.

Drew Hale leads the cast with a fine-tuned performance that will keep viewers gripped, provoking laughter in one moment and a deep sense of discomfort in the next. His portrayal of an actor, losing himself in his role, is nothing short of an impressive character study.

Apple and Woodson bring their own contributions, displaying the range of their acting prowess and contributing to the tense atmosphere established by the narrative. Their performances, combined with Hale's, lend the film a sense of credibility that makes the narrative twists and turns even more shocking.

Cut And Chop, despite its blend of comedy and horror, is more than just a genre film. It's an exploration of the power of obsession, the nature of identity and the lengths a person will go in their commitment to their art. It is a film that leaves viewers with a lingering sense of unease long after the credits roll and one that will make them question where the line between reality and fiction lies.