Bud, directed by Shane Bradford, takes us deep into the heart of West Texas, where a group of elitists makes the grave mistake of trying to muscle their way into a small town with plans to build a casino. But they soon learn that they’ve picked the wrong family to mess with. What follows is a bloody showdown as the locals rise up to protect their land, and the bodies start piling up.
While I always have a preference for practical effects, I was pleasantly surprised by the CG effects in the film's intro sequence. The death scenes, in particular, pack a punch, with some moments looking straight-up brutal, adding to the gritty and unforgiving atmosphere that permeates the film.
Reminiscent of Rob Zombie's The Devil's Rejects and early grindhouse films, Bud feels like a love letter to the grimy, blood-soaked horror of the past. Lezlie Deane, known for her role in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare, delivers a solid performance as Aunt Vicky. However, the real standouts are Whil Paxton as Old Man Whit and Jeff Smith as Bud himself. Bud is an unsettling mix between Leatherface and Lennie from Of Mice and Men, making for a character that’s as terrifying as he is tragic.
Shane Bradford’s casting is spot-on, with every actor bringing an authentic backwoods vibe to the screen. This adds a layer of authenticity that helps overshadow the film’s budgetary constraints. The cast feels like they’ve stepped right out of a Chris Stapleton family reunion, adding to the film’s raw and unpolished charm.
Though the film occasionally bogs down in exposition, the well-executed kills more than make up for it. The practical effects are especially noteworthy, with moments of guts and gore that leave you wanting more. These scenes are the film’s highlights, delivering the visceral thrills that horror fans crave.
Bud is another solid entry in the indie Texas horror scene—a simple premise, expertly delivered. While it’s not without its flaws, the film’s authentic atmosphere, strong performances, and brutal kills make it a must-see for fans of grindhouse horror. Just be prepared to wish for a little more gore, because when Bud delivers, it delivers hard.
Jessie Hobson