The writer, director, and actor Andrew Bowser is a viral YouTuber with a devoted cult following. One of his most beloved characters, Onyx the Fortuitous, takes the spotlight in his new movie, which was funded by hundreds of supporters on Kickstarter.
Meet Marcus J. Trillbury (played by Andrew Bowser), a man determined to defy the passage of time. Despite working at a fast-food restaurant, he still resides with his mother (Barbara Crampton) and stepfather (Ryan Stanger). He goes by the moniker Onyx the Fortuitous and harbors a dream of becoming a Satanist. An ardent admirer of the esteemed occultist, Bartok the Great (Jeffrey Combs, known for Re-Animator, From Beyond, The Frighteners), Marcus wins a contest that grants him and four others the opportunity to become Bartok’s disciples in a mystical ritual. However, it soon becomes apparent that the wizard has ulterior motives, and Marcus finds himself in the unique position to stand against him.
The main character has no filter and always speaks his mind. Some may find that humorous, but others might be annoyed. While every character takes their role seriously, Marcus stands out as the supposed comedic relief, but unfortunately, he comes across as pathetic in every aspect. We only understand his trauma about an hour into the movie, which is far too late to form a connection or sympathy with him. On the other hand, the other characters are well-developed, yet that doesn’t significantly contribute to the overall story. The actors perform well, and it’s always a pleasure to see Jeffrey Combs portray a new creepy character. The practical special effects are impressive, but both the creatures and makeup seem a bit cartoonish and childish, resembling Marcus’s demeanor. The movie suffers from rhythm problems, oscillating between comedy, absurdity, and drama, resulting in some long and tedious sequences. Perhaps Andrew Bowser’s fans will appreciate it, but if you’re not familiar with his videos, you might not enjoy it as much.
2/5
