Fang (2018) – Relatives Are The Worst, Aren’t They?! – A Fitz of Horror Review

Bob Coldicott (Gothic Bob) March 22, 2019

Synopsis– One night, one drug induced murder, turn local junkies Chloe Romero and Joe Spencer into criminals on the run. With no place to hide, they take a road trip to a distant relative’s house, only to find they’re not running from the law, but for their lives as they’re stalked and hunted by creatures of unknown origin.

Welcome to the world, nay…universe of Adam Steigert. I won’t get too much into that because, perhaps, that is best left for the review of his next movie which brings even more of “all of this” together. The first time I heard about Adam Steigert was back in 2011, when I saw my facebook feed inundated with friends checking in on the set of his ‘Black Guy on a Rampage’, which is more of an intense action/crime series as opposed to Steigert’s last half dozen or so movies. Those movies have been more along the lines of Fang…horror/sci-fi/thrillers.

Fang is the story of two lovebird junkies; Chloe Romero (Roc’s Actress of the Year, Melodie Roehrig of ‘The First Purge’, ‘Grace is Gone’ and ‘Last Trip’) and Joe Spencer (played by Theo Kemp). Joe is the worst of them and that’s obvious, right upfront. He can’t get his next fix fast enough and at any cost. Their journey ends up having them cross paths with another couple (Jeanie Russo of ‘She Kills’ & Jason John Beebe of ‘Crossbreed’), seemingly older and arguably “more refined.” The group seeks shelter at Chloe’s relatives house but BOY does that end up being a mistake. They’re first greeted and surprised at the house by Harold Pinter, played by the talented yet creepy (here) Gregory Blair of ‘Garden Party Massacre’ & ‘Deadly Revisions’. Auntie and Uncle come home a bit later. These folks are somewhere in between the Sawyer family and the Munsters, completely batty. They live like the amish but utilize some technology for their own convenience. They host the foursome for a meal but a much bigger party is planned. There’s so much that goes on here but I don’t want to touch a minute of that, as to not spoil the insanity.

With cops hot on their trails, over-welcoming freaks in front of them, Chloe and Joe run into even more characters that get involved and the story gets downright wild and strange. That’s the best way I can describe this movie. Fang is a high anxiety, claustrophobic run through insanity. Like one of those mazes at a carnival, where the only way out is by powering forward or through something and hoping a more freakish carnie doesn’t pop out. It’s got some funny moments, as well. One of my favorite lines is when hysterical Shelly (Jeanie Russo) laughs “I have to get a rabies shot now”. Michael O’Hear (William Sanders) also offers some of his deadpan, sarcastic comic-relief. It rounds out the film nicely. The film is full of some organic characters and some characters that are larger than life, some even being very theatrical in their delivery…like the retelling of a classic campfire story, with “muhahaha” and all. Technically the film has a nice “sheen” to it. I’m a fan of Blackmagic cameras, having past experience with them on a B2B level. I love their equipment, especially when used right. The colors in this film are vibrant with nice contrast which highlights the makeup and moonlit lighting. Some of the food props are absolutely disgusting and some of the better ones I’ve seen in indie film.

When all is said and done, I was told to make sure I watch the credits and post-credit scenes, something I always do anyway. I always watch the credits out of respect to the filmmakers (you should too). If you become a fan of Steigert’s universe and don’t sit through the credits, it’s not unlike skipping out on the post-credits to any one of the MCU movies so it’s in your best interest to sit tight. Fang is still making the rounds in festivals across the states. Keep your eyes peeled for it to screen near you! Maybe you can catch it at the Milwaukee Twisted Dreams Film Festival, in early April.

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