A friend and I were invited to a special screening of 'Natural Selection' in Santa Monica this past June. As finicky spectators, we were both skeptical. We had an inkling of the film's storyline; but for the most part, we were uninitiated as to what might come to light or smolder to ash in a genre that is all too trite--a black comedy entwined with a serial killing ruse. Yet despite our snobbish prelude, by the end of the opening title sequence we were smiling. And by the end of the closing title sequence we were wildly entertained. The characters take some getting use to, all of which are satirically drawn, but once you get past introductions you realize you could be at a southern county fair and all is laughable. The film's strength is its lunacy and the direction of each preposterous circumstance. The writing is no stroke of genius, but in collaboration with the creative direction, performances, and a smart edit it is noteworthy. If 'Natural Selection' gets its audience it will be rocketed to cult film status and hence be a fusion of three genres--black comedy, serial killing ruse, and cult film. Check up and coming film festival listings or special screenings of 'Natural Selection'-- like me, you will be caught off guard and caught having a good time.
