WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Doing what we shouldn’t be doing. In spite of what we would ideally hope is demonstrating GOOD behavior that does us credit in the eyes of others, is it not true we still manage to discover ways to do the opposite? Even when out of pure intentions, going against someone else’s express wishes can often lead to nothing but potential misery. But, do we still choose to go ahead and be contrite anyway? Of course!
For a local man named Rufus (‘Freeway’ Ricky Ross) living in the hood (while also WEARING a hood-ie), storytelling is his chosen speciality. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say that it is FREAKY storytelling he excels at. Running into random family and friends on the darkened streets of his neighborhood one night, Rufus recounts five tales of weirdness and horror to them. However, is this endeavor NOT so fondly beloved by a certain someone whose “control” he’s really under?
Next, my Mind:
Folks, let it be clear from the start–this film is extensively eccentric, off-kilter, quirky, and an undeniable example of precisely what indie cinema’s sometimes avant-garde stylings can achieve. This is especially true when the filmmaker is the equally idiosyncratic, but very purposefully so, writer/director/executive producer/editor Mars Roberge. A genuine king of raw, unapologetic unconventionality when it comes to the efforts he creates, this critic reviewed another of the auteur’s previous offerings, “Stars” (read here), back in June of 2023, and this newest film certainly carries the same degrees of controlled madness. BUT, when micro-budget is the means and the attitude remains that the film IS going to BE made no matter what (as I said IN that review for “Stars”), then the results we find speak for themselves. Period. And admittedly, it IS fun!
Here, an anthology approach to the narrative is in play, spreading out the insanity its primary protagonist is presenting through five gloomy tales with mainly body horror leanings, each one having been lead into by the particular conversation Rufus is having with his willing (??) listeners on the night in question. As each tale unfolds, reactions are as varied as those who are the recipients of them, and there is actually an underlying, darkly comedic streak it all engenders. There isn’t any mind-blowing depth to the stories, just being frank, but isn’t this the point? Some viewers might experience perplexion, others humor, others the horror certain segments elicit, others perhaps totally lost as TO what the point is supposed to be. Again, I am not badmouthing or invalidating the film’s execution or content per se.
It’s just how unavoidably strange of an adventure it is while likewise just being WHAT it is through its unflinching straightforwardness. Now, as with “Stars” overall, it is what boils BENEATH the surface of each twisted yarn told here that ends up providing us with the interesting contexts (comedic or otherwise) and thematic intentionality they are exploring, regardless of how generally warped and/or bizarre everything is. Besides what I felt were some clever “wink wink, nod nods” to a classic film or two, subsequent forays/tangents cover new meaning to being prisoner to your circumstances, what it means to gain the role of a lifetime, the concept of being a human vegetable–with a conscious–and speaking your mind, a definitively biting commentary on people love of their pets, and even lessons in personal and societal ethics, emotional attachment (and detachment!), PTSD, and the price of progress and newfound discovery.
One might not fathom even LOOKING deeper for what IS under it all, but I’ve always found that one of the most engaging elements of indie cinema no matter what level of it we’re talking about, and it simply adds an additional incentive to give film like these a chance instead of possible dismissing it offhand as “worthless” or “so stupid”, etc, etc. That’s how this critic feels anyway, and it IS looking at films in this manner what often allows for some legitimate forgiveness for other flaws that might be present. I mean, this wasn’t at all my favorite film by any means, it’s certainly not for everyone. That’s just a fact. BUT, when understanding the means and measure of a filmmaker like Roberge, the film completely falls into place with the objectives and, hey, consistently unfeigned and fearless goal to champion underground filmmaking.
Undeniably, it has gained Roberge his reputation and awards through the now five feature films he’s put out there, so like it or hate it, this guy is HERE–and here to STAY. Furthermore, paired with the finale we’re given here that TOTALLY, wittily fits the chaos we’ve witnessed, it puts the acronymic nature of the film’s title (which I will not repeat) into focus with candidly resolute verity. I have stated quite a multitude of times in past reviews when it comes to very large ensemble casts–it’s about how everyone manages (or doesn’t manage) to morph into one fluid group of characters befitting the story (or in this case, stories) and do so in a manner that allows EVERYONE in the primary roles a chance to shine. I would personally say that this was accomplished with this project, again in spite of the sheer craziness of genre-jumping tales employed.
First up is Ross as the title character Rufus, a fellow more than willing to spin his fables with energetic glee to captive audiences over the course of a single evening. His personality and excitement to share these “epic” adventures in cautionary woes is uncomplicated and doesn’t really require any vastness of range acting-wise. Yet, THAT is what makes it the wholly hilarious and oddball performance it is, apropos for where the character goes and the revelation we get about him in the end. Story #1 finds Sherard Sharpe as Officer Charley and Angelo Moore as a local coroner Stanley, the latter who will learn a lesson in working “hands on”. Story #2 offers Debra Haden as aspiring actress Emily who might discover her new chance at stardom isn’t exactly what she’d hoped thanks to theater owner Serge (David J), costume fitter Clarisse (Rah Digga), and a rather “catty” audience.
Story #3 sees a perhaps not-so-normal hospital where a program run by Dr. Saul (Spookey Ruben) plus his main nurse Ruth (Jennifer Drake) who tend to two particular patients named Amos (David Scott Greene) and Pini (Princess Frank) who more than speak their minds–until an unanticipated visitor, Luciana (Annalisa Guidone), arrives to shake things up even more. Story #4 reveals a couple, Alicia (Verona Blue) and Linda (Monique Parent) who have quite the love for their child. Story #5 addresses the fractured world of Roger (Jim Sclavunos), a man with a mind for his form of “cleaning up” the country and protecting his fellow citizens–but at what cost? Additional primary appearances are made by Brian Soigne Deluxe Wilson, Michael Musto, Eva Dorrepaal, Sherard Sharpe, and Don Bolles.
The WEALTH of supporting players here would be another situation causing a review to be encyclopedia length, and therefore I am, as always, extending a truly heartfelt “Congratulations!” and “Well done!” to the ENTIRETY of this ensemble cast. You are ALL fully acknowledged, appreciated, and provided everything your roles demanded. This isn’t a platitude or contrived praise, as frankly, to just be IN a film, much less put yourself out there in something as entertainingly far-out as this, deserves to be noticed! So, in total, “Rufus” VERY much resides wholeheartedly in its moniker’s designation (you’ll understand when viewing), whisking you away on one wild, wacky, multi-genre’d journey that will please some, turn away others, but hopefully impact your interest in delving further into the independent film arena in order to watch a current master of the unpredictably bold, and this time macabre, weave his tapestry of dark-but-deliberate art on screen.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
