Wild Eyed and Wicked, the feature film debut from G.S. Foxwood, presents a unique blend of horror, familial drama, and fantasy. While it boasts some noteworthy elements, the film ultimately falls short of its potential.
The story follows Lily Pierce (Molly Kunz), who seeks to confront a medieval creature that has tormented her family for generations. This journey necessitates reconnecting with her estranged father, Gregory (Michael X. Sommers), a disgraced history professor. The premise is promising, exploring deep themes of trauma and familial reconciliation with a fantastical twist. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The dialogue often feels odd and unrealistic, detracting from the immersion. The script is riddled with coincidences that strain credibility, making it hard to engage with the narrative fully. Despite these flaws, the film manages to pick up momentum as it progresses, delivering a fairly engaging experience once it hits its stride.
One of the film's strengths lies in its production design. The props and sets are well-crafted, although somewhat incongruous given the setting of an old house and a dad who supposedly has been gardening all day. The fact that everything appears mostly new and clean undercuts the authenticity. Michael X. Sommers, while giving a decent performance, is visually distracting due to his notably large ears, which some viewers might find hard to overlook. His resemblance to a serious Kirk Fox adds an unintended layer of oddity to his character as well.
The lead actress, Molly Kunz, captures the physicality of her role well, even nailing the 'lesbian strut,' which adds a layer of authenticity to her character, Lily. However, the film sometimes feels like a Hallmark or PBS attempt at horror, with its lighter, more accessible tone.
One can't ignore the well-done makeup on cuts and wounds, which adds a touch of realism to the horror elements. The film is undeniably original but struggles with cohesiveness. The performances are decent but not outstanding, with the cast giving solid, if not remarkable, portrayals of their characters.
The film's ending offers a decent payoff, though it leaves you wanting more concrete closure. The theme of going to great lengths to make amends with one's father is touching, but the emotional impact is somewhat diluted by the film’s scattered focus.
Overall, Wild Eyed and Wicked is not a bad movie, but it isn’t one you’d go out of your way to see. It's a film for fans of Renaissance Faires and those who appreciate indie horror with a touch of fantasy. The movie has its moments, and the originality is commendable, but it ultimately lacks the cohesion and depth needed to elevate it beyond the status of a curious but flawed debut.
Jessie Hobson