WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Ever feel like you’re, oh I don’t know, outcast, freakish, or peculiar in the eyes of the world around you? Despite your best efforts to blend in while allowing people to see and accept you for who you are, it just doesn’t seem to work out that way, huh? When did going against the flow become so overtly passé? Let’s take, for example, a vampire named Eugene (David J. Marzano). Now you see, Eugene is what most would call an–oddball–amongst his peers in that his usual meal of choice doesn’t involve blood. No, it’s more like legumes, greens, and the like–a vegetarian Nosferatu. Needless to say, he’s not too popular.
So, on this particular evening, Eugene’s brother Lenny (Peter Coleman), a true blood-sucker to the core, has still chosen to bring him to a party for the undead, attempting however to establish a plethora of rules he expects Eugene to adhere to so that others don’t become aware of his specific, salad-based proclivities. Yet, when Eugene initially discloses another agenda, Lenny becomes even more emphatic that he keep his opinions to himself. As the party commences, the blood flowing freely, Lenny and Eugene try to engage with fellow party-goers, but all the while, Eugene is sickened by what he witnesses, and what follows becomes one more escapade for Lenny to clean up.
Next, my Mind:
Truly all about what it is to be a non-conformist vamp with a strong sense of self and desire to let his unorthodox identity be proudly shown to the community of the undead, despite his sibling’s very adamant admonishments against it, this blink-and-it’s-over 5-minute indie short film effort from writer/director/executive producer Alex J. Murphy actually is a total riot in its blatant absurdity, moments of irreverent humor, and honest, in-your-face statement about the human knack to want to express oneself loud and proud in the face of societal conventions while remaining true to who we are. Some might try to argue the “in the closet wanting to come out” thematic approach to the narrative is a not-so-veiled comparison to the gay community, but this reviewer feels it goes well beyond that to more be a, albeit tongue-in-cheek, homage to anyone who’s ever felt they had something hidden but important to share, even if potentially unpopular, and are initially afraid to speak out until finally making the choice to do so, regardless of consequences. Think of it more like the hesitations you might feel in openly protesting something you know people have very strong opinions of. Visually, the horror comedy takes on the “Monty Python & The Holy Grail” or “Evil Dead II” gore factor in that it’s so over-the-top and conspicuously fake, it’s hilarious rather than realistically gross, though it still will be considered somewhat disturbing to some I am sure. I mean, it really is hard not to be laughing at all that’s being made fun of here.
Marzano is quite the jovial social pariah-in-waiting through his role as Eugene, a less-than-common entity amongst his species in having made the apparent choice to go with vegetables as sustenance instead of human blood, which he more than wants everyone to know contains all sorts of possible illness-causing nastiness. He plays along with his alpha brother’s “rules”, but is so taken aback by the offensive party activities, he exits the room to ponder what becomes the outrageous beginnings of what most assuredly shall turn the party into a controversy. Marzano entertainingly hams it up the entire time, and the final moments of the film give him a chance to really shine in utter ridiculousness, which is perfectly suited and well-played given the film’s silliness.
Just as perfect a performance is given by Coleman as Eugene’s much more straight-laced vamp brother Lenny, a serious chap who only wants to have a little fun, drink some blood, and not be handily embarrassed by his brother’s desired protestations. As he blends in with the other partygoers, though sometimes to his annoyance at their often glaring dullness, things are fine until Eugene appears from his self-imposed bathroom exile and begins pontificating. Once this occurs, it’s a literal “You’ve GOT to be kidding me!” moment for Lenny, and one can tell whatever happens next is not going to be pretty! In spite of the film’s seriously abbreviated runtime, Coleman, like Marzano, takes a bite out of every scene he’s in, even when it’s understated and “dead”-pan.
Supporting appearances are made via other party guests played by Jared Vollmann as Fang, Jenna Moschella as Amethyst, Michael Posner as Little Frank, and Reuben E. Natan as Charles The Drunk. In total, certain moments of crass content notwithstanding (my own personal hang-up with cruder humor, mind you), “Fruit Bat II” is one of those diverting gems found in the indie film community that intentionally doesn’t take itself too seriously, barebones look and all, and simply desires to offer a quick, goofy respite from your otherwise droll day. Let’s face it, in this current era, anything that can bring a laugh and a smile is a very, very good thing.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
