Dating is scary these days. How did people do it in the past? Pick up a rotary phone, remember someone’s phone number (or god forbid, ask an operator to connect you), dial, and talk to them. Don’t be awkward (don’t be awkward!), and set a time for a date. Okay, date one. Pressure is on. What do you do? Where do you go? Now you’re there, what do you talk about!?! Phew, first date is done. Now…when do you go their house for a drop-by? And when do you meet the parents? In Fck’n Nuts, that first drop by to meet the parents takes a turn for the worst for Dan, our bright-eyed and bushy-tailed gentlemen caller.
It’s clear that writer-director Sam Fox has a vision from the jump. Fck’n Nuts has a colorful palette while also playing with darkness. The set pieces are fun, the tensions palpable, and the balance between spooky and morbid comedy make this a fun watch. The blues, pinks, purples, and reds shine through as I’m reminded of something Boots Riley might direct, or perhaps Panos Cosmetos, who directed Mandy (2018). Strong colors, strong choices, and a strong vision throughout!
From the opening scene, with its furry squirrel from hell appearing onscreen, you know what Fck’n Nuts is going to be. It’s not going to take itself too seriously. It’s not going to show you what you’ve come to know and expect. No, this short is here to show you something new, something spooky, and something fun. You’ll smile while gritting your rearmost molars, but only partially.
Vincent Stalba‘s Dan calls before coming to visit Sandy, played by Maddie Nichols. Sandy emphatically pleads with him not to, but he persists.
The cinematography, led by the DP, Daniel Waghorne, is on full display in all it’s beauty. The choices in Sandy’s pink dress, the orange lighting in the entryway, the yellowed bulbs on the porch, it’s an intentionality and flair that feels fresh. The music from Sébastien Chenut and Maud Geffray march alongside the short film’s plot, tempting our heart rates and toying with our emotions.
Now, one thing that really sets Fck’n Nuts apart is its use of first-person view. Reminiscent of Hardcore Henry (2015), this underutilized viewpoint is almost exclusively reserved for video games. We’ve only recently seen some newer rigs, like this one in Bad Boys Ride or Die (2024) that even get close to the first-person view style. It is haunting and intriguing all at once when we see a character wield a knife, approach a window, or navigate the home.
By the time we get to the body-horror reveal, the visual effects from George Trimm and Sam Fox are once again, shockingly great. Boils, bumps, colors, all in a flurry in one scene of pandemonium, terror, and splendor. The short leaves you satisfied, while all the same interested in what Sam Fox and company could do with a budget, a larger crew, and 14 days on set.
I for one know, even not being a huge horror fan, I’ll watch whatever she makes next. Style, bold choices, and a clarity of vision far outweigh a catalog of copycat films that could be shot by anyone. For Sam Fox, Fck’n Nuts is proof she has stories to tell, and a style that brings those stories to life in a vibrant and visceral way.
Thus far, Fck’n Nuts premiered on Arrow on August 9th, 2024, Screambox is set to showcase the film in September or October 2024 (Bloody Bites Season 11), and ALTER is set to showcase the film in February of 2025. Give it a watch, share it with fellow horror fans, and keep an eye on Sam Fox!
Fck’n Nuts
Synopsis: Sandy is grievously forced to break it off with the boy of her dreams in order to avert him from meeting her unusual parents.
Director: Sam Fox
Writer: Sam Fox
Stars: Maddie Nichols, Vincent Stalba, William E. Harris, and more.
Awards: 6 wins and 7 nominations
Check out an exclusive interview with Sam Fox while you’re here!
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