Back in the 80s and 90s the horror genre was full of practical effect heavy creature features. Films such as Gremlins and Critters were beloved by the masses, but with the advent of CGI, audiences forgot the true magic of cinema. Director Vivieno Caldinelli and writer Brandon Cohen however, are seeking to bring films of this type back with Scared Shitless, a film which receives its international premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest.
A wild creature-feature touching on the universal fear of being attacked when most vulnerable… on the toilet! Plumber Don (Steven Ogg) and Sonny (Daniel Doheny), his germaphobic son, are forced to care for each other after the death of Sonny’s mom. To help Sonny overcome both his grief and fear, Don drags him on a routine house-call where they encounter a plumber’s worst nightmare — a bloodthirsty creature that’s swimming through the pipes, killing the building’s tenants in an increasingly grisly fashion. With the help of the night manager, Patricia (Chelsea Clark), the team vows to stop the monster from escaping into the city’s water system.
Amongst the more zany elements, Scared Shitless has a wonderful central core of heart due to the performances of Ogg and Doheny. And for those coming for the practical effects, they have been brought to life by the exceptional Steven Kostanski. Of all the films screening at FrightFest this year, Scared Shitless is one of those that is going to play best with a crowd, and if it’s a fun time that you’re after, FrightFest attendees should be sure to add this one to their viewing schedules. Ahead of the screening at FrightFest, THN spoke with director Vivieno Caldinelli to find out more about bringing a bygone subgenre into modern times.
Scared Shitless screens at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on Monday 26th August. More information on the film and tickets can be found on the FrightFest website.
