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Wyrm

 A review by Brooks Rich

This movie is weird. Very quirky and very indie. The basic premise is as follows. Keep in mind there is more going on but I don't want to spoil anything. In an alternate 1990s children in middle school who have not experienced their first kiss wear a collar around their neck. Wyrm is two weeks away from the end of middle school and in danger of being held back if he doesn't pop his collar. He is the only incoming freshman still with his collar on. 

That's the basic idea of what's going on. Around that is a weird alternative '90s for technology is starting to take over. For example there's a scene where the move to email is signaled by someone removing everyone's mailboxes. A clever sight gag but the movie doesn't. shove it down our throat. I prefer when a comedy has gags that feel natural. This is a weird comparison when talking about a movie like Wyrm but I'm going to make it anyway. Wyrm is very far removed from being a comedy like these films. I think of parody movies like Airplane and The Naked Gun. Also shows like Police Squad. The jokes come naturally. It's part of the world. The main characters act like it's normal, which make it even funnier. Wyrm has a similar use of pacing and reactions to the characters. The weirdness of the world works because the characters don't overreact to it. 

This is one of those were talking about it makes me worry I'll spoil it. I think going into this as cold as possible is the best way to see it. So let's discuss my favorite thing about this movie. That would be Theo Taplitz, who plays Wyrm.

He was covered on the blog before when I highlighted the 2016 film Little Men. Well here he is in a leading role and he nails it. This film dies without him. He is so good at making Wyrm a loser but endearing. He'll bring you right back to your awkward teenage years. Also shoutout to Azure Brandi, who plays his sister. She has a great sub plot and her and Wyrm's evolving relationship gets a chef's kiss from me. Perfect plot to weave through the story.

My only issues come from this being indie and weird. Know that going in. But I really enjoyed it. Some might not. I get that. But I think some of you will find this charming and I put a lot of that on the lead actor. It's on Prime and available to rent elsewhere. 

Rating: 4/5




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