Grab your camo and your collection of handwritten riddles, because the “Southern Gumbo” of our collective nightmares has finally arrived. Gunfighter Paradise, part horror, part comedy, part political commentary, is hitting the road, and it’s bringing a healthy dose of Christo-fascist satire and mummified cats along for the ride.
Director Jethro Waters (the Emmy-winning mind behind F11 and Be There) is back. This time, with a dark comedy/horror blend filled with issues relevant to today.
A Southern Gothic Fever Dream
A hunter returns to his family home in rural North Carolina carrying a mysterious green case and a mind that’s rapidly unraveling. Between his mother’s death, a voice he’s pretty sure is God, and a neighborhood full of “the others,” things get weird fast. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a satirical dissection of American ideologies clashing in the South. Expect a surreal mix of an intrusive cable man, a mummified cat (obviously), extreme Christian Fundamentalism, and don’t forget a sprinkle of casual murder.
The Heavy Hitters
The incredible Jessica Hecht (Breaking Bad, Friends, Succession) brings some serious Emmy and Tony-nominated gravity to the chaos. The film is from writer-director Jethro Waters, known for his iconic music video work with Angel Olsen and John Cale. The film features a powerhouse production team, including the legendary Nancy Buirski (Pulitzer and Peabody winner) and longtime collaborator Sara Ayele.
With Jessica Hecht involved, this clearly has some high-brow acting chops to back up the grindhouse-adjacent premise. Do you think “Southern Satire” is the best way to process the current political climate, or do the horror elements make it feel a bit too close to reality?
Catch the Chaos (New Cities & Dates):
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March 20: Special Screening at UNC School of the Arts
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March 27-30: The New State Theatre
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Coming Soon (Dates TBD): Chelsea Theater (Chapel Hill, NC) & The Davis (Chicago, IL)
Visit the official website for screening updates.
