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Here’s a devilish little film I saw at this year’s Beyondfest. Now, this is a tricky film to review because the entire film hinges on a large midpoint (maybe two thirds) reveal. And since I’m not a fan of spoilers, I won’t talk about it, but even in the trailers you can see that it’s heavy on the practical FX and that’s what makes this movie stand out. This is a great example of how to do (Edited) film with an extremely limited budget, using all practical effects. Even Stephen King heartily endorsed it. Here is a synopsis from imdb.
A daughter unravels her father’s dark past after his body, missing for 36 years, is found at the scene of a gruesome crime.
Cycle is a movie that is two movies in one. For more than half of the movie, you’re more concerned with the dark, serial killer, the police procedural, the bodies found at the crime scene, and the capture of the killer. Then the rest is completely different. Now you know something completely different is going on because they drop so many hints, and if you’re like me, you knew it from the beginning (sorry, but I did). But it doesn’t matter if you knew it or not, because this movie is more about the why and the how of it all. Now there are a few plot issues and it takes a while to get to the reveal, but I still recommend this movie because when it does, those of us who worship practical effects are given manna from heaven. This is the main reason to watch this movie. Amazing practical effects skills are evident on a limited budget. A few times I wanted to clap slowly because I haven’t seen anything like this in a long time. not since (The movie is edited, but if you’ve seen it, you know) have seen FX work on this scale. It’s not a perfect movie, but it has an amazing hook, a unique idea, and a phenomenal practical effects showcase. If that’s your thing, it’s worth your time.
Where does he play? Streaming on Shudder and AMC+
Food/drink pairing: A moon pie and a glass of milk.
Trailer:
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My name is Jeff Dixon. I write horror films. I’m just a weirdo who means well. View all posts by Jeff Dixon
