By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Robert Woods
Starring: Daniel Buckle | Evan Williams | Mary Soudi | Nadia Collins | Naomi Brockwell | St John Cowcher | Tristan McInnes
Country: australia
Year: 2021
Running time: 85
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12452752/reference
Brett says: “AN IDEAL HOST is a horror-comedy feature film debut from director Robert Woods that has cult classic written all over it. As part of many raucous midnight festival screening events, I must say that the audiences at those events would be out of their minds in appreciation for the fun and outrageousness packed inside this cinematic romp.
“The film is very well constructed, actually antithetical to the loose cannon connotations that might come with any plot descriptions of the film. Without knowing what one is about to see later, the film opens with a belly-laugh inspiring exchange between obsessive-compulsive partners who have planned a dinner party for their close friends where a very staged and micromanaged ‘surprise’ marriage proposal is set to take place for everyone’s enjoyment: a very manufactured rehearsal that sets Liz up as the appropriately dubbed title character. Following that is an exceptionally well-crafted title credits transition sequence that really penetrates one’s creative and artistic needs on top of being just outright hilarious, setting the stage for what one thinks will be a “what could possibly go wrong” dinner comedy. In a fabulous display of narrative know-how, this is not just artistic eye candy with a one-off laugh, as the audience will find out later and sets up one of the all-time great satisfying final shots of a horror comedy film. Supporting this comedic preparation series, Liz has a hilarious micromanaged schedule that details the events planned for the evening, which serves as a wonderful plot device for the events that begin to unfold. The sound design team also contributes in such an effective way throughout, notably with their provision of catchy ringtones for each phone reminder which help trigger the tension and comedy to come later in the film.
“The invitees are are accounted for, each with an specially assigned spot at the dinner table. However, as we’ve all experienced before, the phone rings, and yes, it’s one of the people that’s been accounted for with an unexpected change of plans at last minute. In this case, the uninvited Daisy has invited herself for the trip along with one of the other dinner guests, a monkey wrench in the careful planning that’s taken place up to this point. What’s more is that Daisy is the group “friend” that no one particularly cares for and who always manages to self-destruct and ruin the group’s fun.
“As the establishment of a series of unfortunate events is set like a proverbial dinner table, the cast of characters really take on unique roles in the banter and hilarity to come. As it so happens, however, the film title itself is actually a sort of double entendre for the second half of the film: the bonkers flip-side to a seemingly run-of-the-mill friendly get-together. This is where Woods’ background in special effects is showcased.
“Prior to arrival at the party, a temporary bathroom break at a local establishment involves a very peculiar and out-of-place exchange that an audience might chalk up to uncomfortable local color at first. However, this was no incongruity in the film-making. Later at the dinner party, an otherworldly component is introduced, sending the plot sliding down a completely unexpected chute. The original tone of the film remarkably is able to stay intact while introducing a new and outrageous series of horror and gruesome visuals that result from the fallout of the surprise twist that reshapes the film.
“Woods does not pull any punches once the action heats up despite the sitcom-esque bait at the start of the film. Inexplicably, for the gore gluttonous beast within, the extremes work marvelously. A series of callbacks to earlier moments of the lighter version of the film and an ever-consistent comedic build consistent to each character couple with the heart-racing mania that ensues.
“While the specifics of the reveal are better left unstated here, having surmised what other unexpected otherworldly encounters might originate from the title will not ruin the experience. The last 10 minutes of the film is a satisfying adrenaline-filled and witty closure to everything that has built throughout the film. 3 cats
“Recommended for fans of fresh, authentic dark humor within a horror setting
“Highly recommended for gore gluttons/One to avoid for the stomach-sensitive
“Screened at the Chattanooga Film Festival“