This was the last film that was shown at Nightmares Film Festival for Day 1. Now when this was introduced, it was brought up that writer/director Alex Phillips had another film that was played at this film festival previously. All Jacked Up and Full of Worms was an odd film that I didn't love, but respected things that it did. Ahead of seeing this, I did get a press release for it playing at Stiges Film Festival, which stated that this was giallo inspired. That intrigued me to see this.
Synopsis: an innocent Chicago food delivery boy, after having sex for money, finds himself involved in a series of murders that can be traced back to someone who was in his bed.
We start this in a field near the woods. Liam Woodlawn (Hal Baum) is lying down. He has Julia Williams (Jade Perry) sitting on his face while he performs a sex act. With them is Thea (Jiana Nicole), who is Julia's sister. As she climaxes, we hear someone yelling out for them. This turns out to be their father. Liam then flees into the woods while Thea is scolded.
It then shifts to the big city. This turns out to be Chicago. Liam delivers a sandwich to Rachel (Ginger Lynn) and the two make love in the kitchen. What is interesting from here is that any time someone climaxes through a sex act with Liam, a spotlight will glow on their face. Rachel then pays as he leaves.
From here we shift over to Thea as she approaches a house with cookies. Things he weird as the man who ordered them is passed out on the couch. His son is around, coloring on the walls. Liam is contacted and he comes to the house to find Thea and the man having sex on the couch. In order to get off, the man needs Liam to pretend like he's upset. Liam does play along.
Now it should be pointed out that Liam and Thea live together. They hook up, but they're not together. Liam has a talent and he enjoys using it. We see that he helps a couple to be intimate. There's also a strange encounter with Thea where she wants him to reenact the time that her father, played by Paul Gordon, hits on Liam.
There is a crime that happens. The man who ordered cookies is murdered. Two detectives work the case. They are Ray (Trevor Dawkins) and the other is Dodge (Jack Dunphy). They learn about the app that brought the couple to deliver the cookies. Strange things then start to happen as other clients of Liam's are murdered. This leads him to a strange man from the courthouse, as well as a guy who used to run a similar racket, Johnny Chicago (Maxton Koc). No one is safe around Liam and he's not sure who to trust.
That is where I'll leave my recap and introduction to the characters. Where I need to start is by saying that this film is not going to be for everyone. While I was watching this, I made the connection that this feels like a neo-giallo. That was confirmed when seeing the press release, I referenced earlier. There are also elements here of 1970s porn, especially the ones that bordered into comedies. Seeing that this also is considered a slasher would fit as well. Wearing its inspirations on its sleeve is something that I can appreciate.
Now that I've set that up, let me delve more into what we're getting. Let's start with the gialli elements. We have Liam who is the prime suspect in these crimes needing to prove his innocence before it is too late. There is the sleazy factor that he's a male prostitute. He is all about free love. What is intriguing is that Mr. Williams said to him that when his looks start to fade, he needs to have a plan to fall back on. We see a few times, he's close to that as he's bald. Let me end this section by saying the police are following him, which raises tension.
Since I've brought up the gialli aspect, we have red herrings here. There are odd characters that could be the killer and I appreciate that. Thea was the last person to see the first victim we learn about. She also draws obscene things on money and these bills are found inside the hole of the victim's head. Liam could turn out to be the killer. We also have motives for people like Mr. Williams, Ray, Dodge, Johnny Chicago or the odd guy from the courthouse. There is also the element of a random person you wouldn't expect. I did appreciate what they do here.
Where I need to go next is filmmaking. The film's visuals, particularly the red lighting, contribute to a surreal atmosphere, especially during sex work scenes. The cinematography and framing are strong, despite not showing the kills directly. The practical effects depicting victims with holes in their heads, presumably from the killer, are effective. Even more so when we learn how those get there. The soundtrack also enhances the atmosphere.
All that is left then would be the acting performances. The film's over-the-top comedy stems from its absurd premise. Baum and Nicole deliver solid performances as our leads. Perry is oddly close to Thea, who is her sister in the world of the film. The supporting cast, including Gordon, Dawkins, Dunphy, and Koc, bring their unique characters to life. Lynn and Nina Hartley, real pornstars, make cameos. Be advised, there is significant nudity from both men and women.
In conclusion, this is a unique neo-giallo slasher that effectively blends elements of 1970s porn comedies with a murder mystery. While not for everyone due to its explicit content and absurd premise, director Phillips crafts an intriguing narrative around Liam's unwitting involvement in a series of murders. With strong filmmaking, effective practical effects, and a cast that embraces the film's eccentricities, it's a memorable watch for those who appreciate its specific brand of stylized, shocking cinema.
My Rating: 6 out of 10.
