Out of Fantasia Film Festival, Ian Faria’s Big Break is sure to be a romping crowd pleaser. The film mines the comedy/horror chops of genre titans such as Josh Ruben, Patrick Brice, and Mark Duplass. Written by Sam Lanier, it incisively cuts into the dog-eat-dog world of Hollywood and the strain that fame puts on long-standing friendships—all the jealousy, anger, and regret. There’s far more than guts that spill out onto the floor. Dark intentions come to light and test the desperation wrought from unfulfilled dreams. Cracks in the camaraderie turn to bloodlust, as tensions stretch and snap, along with any hope of salvation.
Sam (Lanier), formerly part of a comedy group, struck it big. After starring as the lead in a Gummy Bear movie, he now enjoys a sweeping estate and everything else that comes with being a hot name in Los Angeles. His friends Caroline (Caro Yost), Felipe (Felipe Di Poi), and Will (Will Niedmann) visit him for a weekend reunion, but they plan on asking him for a role in his next movie, a planned Gummy Bear sequel. The first night becomes a bloodthirsty war to get Sam’s attention and plead their case about getting a part, thus jumpstarting their dreams of becoming a marquee name.
They’ll have more to contend with, however, as a serial killer lurks in the surrounding woods. What begins as a fun weekend of rekindling friendships (and the subsequent battle royale) turns into a night of unholy terror. Caroline, Felipe, and Will must put aside their pettiness and band together with Sam to survive until dawn. Lanier gives Big Break real bite, swerving right when you think the plot is headed left and vice-versa. And the cast, part of a comedy troupe called Simple Town, flex their acting chops and deliver breezy quips and physical comedy that make for a delightful viewing experience.
Ian Faria directs with an understanding of how to frame his actors just right to underscore punch lines, but also to squeeze out the tension as much as possible. Big Break goes for laughs one moment, before turning the humor on its head for some good old-fashioned horror. Its brilliance lies in the entire crew’s commitment to the bit without sacrificing the scares and keeping the audience glued to the screen. When Yost isn’t making you guffaw, Lanier ratchets up the fear to 100. Across the board, the cast knows exactly how to deliver lines that perfectly hit the funny bone.
It’s difficult to walk the fine line between horror and comedy, but Big Break strikes a masterful genre blend. Once Caroline, Felipe, and Will arrive on Sam’s doorstep, the film revs into overdrive and doesn’t let up until the “oh shit!” finale. There’s no rest for the wicked, and there’s no good people in the mix. It’s 90 minutes of pure cinematic magic.
Leave a Reply