KOMBUCHA
Synopsis
A mind-altering drink makes employees work themselves to death.
Review
Director Jake Myers serves up the newest entry in the workplace horror comedy/job-from-Hell horror comedy subgenre with Kombucha. Musician Luke (Terrence Carey in a fine lead performance)and his soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend Elyse (Paige Bourne) are having a hard time with their relationship. Luke wants to continue focusing on his music but Elyse can’t carry their financial load alone any longer. Luke’s friend Andy (Jesse Kendall)suggests that he apply for a high-paying “no experience necessary”position at his corporate workplace, Symbio. Luke finds quick success at the job, but is reluctant to give in to boss Kelsey’s (Claire McFadden)demands that he partakes of the titular drink — called Mother’s Secret at the office — but finds even more success once he does. Elyse becomes suspicious of the company, and well she should.
Myers, who cowrote the screenplay with Geoff Baken, crafts a highly amusing chills-and-chuckles film that boasts super performances from its cast members, solid direction and pacing that builds to a weird, wild climax. Fantastic practical effects work is the straw that stirs this potent cinematic drink. Kombucha comes highly recommended for horror comedy aficionados and anyone less than enthused with their corporate office climate.
From Jackrabbit Media, Kombucha will be available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more starting December 2, 2025. Physical editions will be available for order the same day.
THE CRAMPS: A PERIOD PIECE
Synopsis
Agnes defies her strict family by working at a salon, but her newfound independence is challenged when her menstrual cramps manifest as actual monsters, merging her real and nightmare worlds.
Review
A shot-on-35mm horror comedy long on camp but also boasting plenty of heart, writer/director Brooke H. Cellars’ The Cramps: A Period Piece is a unique experience. Its influences are obvious, not the least of which is John Waters’ filmography, but there’s plenty of other snazzy retro dazzle in the mix, as well.
Agnes Applewhite (Lauren Kitchen in a fun lead performance) takes a job shampooing at a beauty parlor, despite the objection and derision from her haughty mother (Brooklyn Woods) and snotty younger sister (Harlie Madison). She finds friendship at her new workplace with trans owner Laverne Lancaster (Martini Bear), accident-prone Holiday Hitchcocker (Michelle Malentina), and pink-haired SatanistTeddy Teaberry (Wicken Taylor). She is hampered, however, by a monstrous entity that takes form during her menstrual cramps.
The creature effects, costume design, and set design are all a blast, and the members of the sizable cast are obviously all having a great time with on-point performances that range from earnest to scenery chewing. Cellars’ debut at the feature film helm is audacious and full of verve. Devotees of the outlandish, outrageous, and daring in genre cinema will want to place The Cramps: A Period Piece on their need-to-see lists.
KOMBUCHA and THE CRAMPS: A PERIOD PIECE screened at FilmQuest, which took place October 23–November 1 in Downtown Provo, Utah.
