Internet sensation Onyx the Fortuitous, aka the “Weird Satanist Guy,” has charmed viewers for roughly a decade through a series of ongoing viral videos that have amassed over 300 million views. Writer/Director/Star Andrew Bowser brings his viral character to the big screen in Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls, an infectious Saturday Morning Cartoon of a comedy-horror movie. Bowser infuses Onyx’s feature film debut with endearing quirkiness, endless ’80s/’90s influences, and horror whimsy.
When oddball Marcus J. Trillbury (Bowser) isn’t working his fast food gig or getting into fights with his mom’s (Barbara Crampton) boyfriend, he’s aspiring to master his craft as amateur occultist Onyx the Fortuitous. So much so that he jumps at the chance to prove himself to his idol Bartok the Great (Jeffrey Combs), answering an open call for fellow Satan worshippers to join the renowned dark master for a special ritual. To Marcus’s extreme delight, Bartok accepts his application and joins four others at Batok’s mansion. Bartok and his assistant Farrah (Olivia Taylor Dudley) waste no time subjecting the eclectic bunch to a series of tests to prepare for the ritual. It quickly becomes evident that they’ve got sinister intentions.
Onyx’s mettle will be tested as he bands with his new friends to save their souls.
Before getting into the occultist plot in proper, Bowser spends time getting uninitiated viewers acquainted with his endearing weirdo character and his world. Marcus retreats into his isolated world of toys, horror movies, and occultist persona as he’s misunderstood at home and work. Even fellow Satanists Mack (Rivkah Reyes), Mr. Duke (T.C. Carson), Jesminder (Melanie Chandra), and Shelley (Arden Myrin) aren’t sure what to make of his high-strung, loner persona. At least until Onyx accidentally uncovers part of Bartok’s nefarious plot and enlists Mr. Duke and Mack’s aid. It begins a personal growth journey filled with horror references and humor.
That means it can take a while for the horror part of the comedy-horror to kick into high gear. It’s not until Bartok’s plans are well underway and Onyx relives Meatloaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” music video in epic dream sequence form that Bowser really hits his stride. It tips the scales from charming enough comedy into full-blown comedy horror with masterful creature designs and effects by Studio ADI.
Bowser brings a sense of magic to his feature that plays like Elvira: Mistress of the Dark meets Fright Night. He wears his influences on his sleeves and finds humorous ways to incorporate them. Even the hardened horror fan might have trouble wiping the grin off their face as Crampton’s character yells to another to “get a job at a sideshow!” The overt hat tips to Re-Animator and other familiar IP never upstage Onyx’s story, his budding friendships, or the delightful monsters.
Onyx the Fortuitous seamlessly evolves the viral character for the big screen, with impressive production design and practical creature effects, while doubling as an endearing gateway horror film. It’s a loving ode to the video store-era monster kid and teases a larger demon-filled universe for Onyx and pals. His introductory feature film ensures that we’re ready to follow his horror-filled adventures to see his occultist dreams realized- as long as he gets to bring his Battle Katts toys.
Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls made its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival; release info TBD.
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