An extraordinary eight-year labor of love is finally coming to animation and horror fans nationwide. Directed by Zach Passero, the animated indie feature The Weird Kidz debuts nationwide on VOD platforms this October.
The project boasts major genre backing, featuring executive producer James Fino of Rick and Morty alongside veteran horror producer Lucky McKee. Combining coming-of-age nostalgia with classic late-night drive-in cinema, the film delivers a wildly unique genre experience.
A Desert Campout Devolves into B-Movie Madness
The narrative follows three preteen boys embarking on a weekend camping trip alongside an older brother and his girlfriend. Hoping for a fun outdoor adventure, the group instead stumbles into a chaotic, horror-tinged nightmare in a remote desert. Subsequently, the unsuspecting campers face an ancient night creature, crazed townsfolk, and dangerous cult rituals. Puberty and growing up quickly mix with limb amputations, dark comedy, and relentless survival horror.
A True Handmade Labor of Love
Passero single-handedly animated the entire feature over nearly a decade, while also writing and editing. His wife, Hannah Passero, also hand-painted the project’s gorgeous background environments. Musician Sean Spillane composed an energetic original score to accompany the vibrant visual style. Meanwhile, celebrated genre actors Angela Bettis and Ellar Coltrane lead a talented voice cast alongside Sean Bridgers and Sydney Wharton.
Screeners and Media Inquiries
Distributed independently, the film stands as a passionate tribute to 1980s creature features and classic midnight movies. Genre fans can look forward to a hilarious, gory, and heart-filled animated ride when The Weird Kidz launches on VOD on October 27.
