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| Images Courtesy of A. Leroy |
Anthony Leroy and his troupe are the very definition of
punk rock guerilla horror filmmaking. Over the years they have produced some of
the most terrifying and memorable short films in the genre, with virtually no
budget. His latest offering, Bodybag begins as both a commentary
on small town life and the demons of substance abuse before transforming into a
harrowing provocation on the perils of driving while impaired. Featuring
a terrific lead performance, dangerous subtext, and one of the greatest homages
in recent memories, this is 2024's first great surprise.
Steve agrees to be a designated driver for his friend at a
neighborhood block party, but ultimately decides to drink when confronted
with past alcohol influenced behaviors. After abruptly leaving the party,
Steve, driving drunk, has a confrontation with his inner demons on a lonely
deserted road. Leroy's script is mean and lean, using minimal dialogue to
communicate the danger of Steve's predicament. Matt Conway's performance as
Steve is the main event, using the sparse material to communicate a living
clock that is about to chime midnight. His confusion, denial, and
absolute terror are what sells it once the blood starts to flow. His
practical reaction and mortal fragility, when juxtaposed against addiction made
manifest is what allows this parable to work so effectively.
Josh Murphy's cinematography is perhaps the strongest attribute. This kind of picture does not work without buy-in from the audience, and the way every scene is shot, especially once the film transitions to the road, is brilliant. It is dark, confusing, and ultimately scary. There are big philosophical ideas at play, but all of them are lost once Steve begins his fateful run, a cell phone light his only weapon against the unknowable darkness of addiction. This scene in particular is surprisingly gripping both in tone and in the way it pays tribute to Robert Aldrich's Kiss Me Deadly. The combination of lighting and shadows come together to create a startling climax that will not be easily forgotten.
Coming hopefully soon to a festival circuit near you, Bodybag is a wonderful example of an artist's evolution within their craft. The production value is leaps and bounds above Leroy and his team's previous formidable efforts. The shots, the presentation…everything is done with a level of confidence that translates into a genuinely terrifying horror experience and a sobering commentary on the dangers of addiction and driving while under the influence.
--Kyle Jonathan