Review of “Straight Edge Kegger”, Coming Soon to Shudder

The punk rock indie film titled “Straight Edge Kegger”, written and directed by Jason Zink (“Night Terrors” 2014), is slated to drop on Shudder at an unreleased date in 2021, and watchers are in for what other critics are calling “a wild ride”. Rightfully so, the film digs its claws into the straight edge subculture for a raw look at the interpersonal strains of Brad, portrayed by Cory Kays, and the deadly outcome of his choice to leave his militant gang of straight edgers. The 2019 completed thriller film yields comedy and as much heart and grit as it does gut-spilling gore. It’s the film for both dedicated horror audiences, thrill seekers, comedy buffs, and straight edge punks alike. While there’s times that stall, the film has a way of keeping you interested, with some corny humor you’ll laugh at more than you’ll have anticipated. It’s a product of indie filmmaking done right: a structured and believable plot that allows the watcher to watch and enjoy the movie, not notice every time the cinematographer forgot to come to work that day.

Starring Evey Reidy, Julio Alexander, Sean Jones, and other talented film professionals, “Straight Edge Kegger” doesn’t have the worst acting on the market, but it isn’t always the best either, though, it almost seems to have been written to be interpreted as such. Take by example a certain smelly situation going on in a closet during one sequence; it reminded me of the nonsensical humor that all too often is overlooked or misinterpreted as being poor. The hour and 19 minute production features 1980’s slasher vibes rooted in its climax moments as well and is without fear of trying something new. “Straight Edge Kegger” is a breath of fresh air for the genre and those looking for a kickass gem of a film to be the first to tell your friends about.

The score is one that matches similar thrillers, with featured sounds from artists you’d likely hear rocking at a straight edge show. The sets illustrated the tones of the film as it gracefully transitioned from scene to scene without leaving you lost in an overly in-depth narrative. It’s overall fun to watch and does justice as a thriller/horror. The Weird On Top Pictures film is heavily criticized for not making much sense, and it is my curious wonder if that ends up being the final verdict of other’s simply because they have nothing they find relatable in the script that they can hold on to. Another review covers this perfectly, “Punxploitation is a niché sub-genre of cinema that isn’t meant to be understood by those outside of the punk rock spectrum,” rottenfnfruits on IMDb.

The film had a successful run through festivals in 2019 and is noticed by its strengths in direction of photography, music, and punk rock essence. While slow-moving at times, this indie film holds nothing back and is an exemplary enterance to the industry for all of those involved. It will likely witness a spike in viewership once it hits Shudder and recieve the acclaim it deserves. Personally, I’m not familiar with straight edge, but nonetheless had a great time watching the movie.

Stay in the loop for official updates on the “Straight Edge Kegger” Facebook.

You can get your hands on a signed (and non-signed) Blu-Ray copy on ScreamTeam Releasing here and a “Straight Edge Kegger” Mystery Box through Rotten Rentals here. Stream it January 2021 on Comcast (Xfinity) On Demand!

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Plan on watching “Straight Edge Kegger”? Let me know your thoughts, I’m finally on Twitter @horrorwriterang!