A fugitive from helicopters and cop-cars invades a dominatrix's home just as she is expecting a client to call. She is a little too strong for the man on the run...and she won't SHUT UP. I love that she disregard's his demands, but, alas, it's because she CAN. She isn't the devil she appears to be and it does get interesting.
22 Reviews
Not bad but predictable
smoratti10 October 2021
Felt more like a forgettable episode of an anthology series
jfgibson7319 December 2021
They absolutely did NOT have enough material for a full length movie. The story had me mildly interested early on as I waited for clues as to what was going on. I did not feel the payoff was even close to being worth the time I spent watching. Much of the movie revolves around the interplay between two main characters. I really didn't want to spend time with either one of them. What really bothered me though is how repetitive it got in the last act. I would recommend skipping it.
A must watch!!
hannah-mescon6 October 2021
Val is sharp, suspenseful, and an incredible ride. It's a pitch perfect horror comedy that will keep you guessing until the very end!! Just when you think you know where it's headed, the story totally turns on its head. Great script, beautifully directed and superb actors. Absolutely recommend - it's fun and campy-- just in time for Halloween!!
Slow start... predictable, lame ending
coex2312 October 2021
Yes, yes, yes and yes to all the obvious "Beetle Juice meets Sam Raimi in the Twilight Zone" comments. Really, that's it. That's the entire film.
The first 3/4 of the film is merely an annoying "comedy" spread over a decent suspense story. It could have worked if they didn't have to shovel in some inane supernatural stuff at the end.
Overall, sorta entertaining and the cast was quite good. It's just not anything you'd recommend to anyone or watch more than once.
The first 3/4 of the film is merely an annoying "comedy" spread over a decent suspense story. It could have worked if they didn't have to shovel in some inane supernatural stuff at the end.
Overall, sorta entertaining and the cast was quite good. It's just not anything you'd recommend to anyone or watch more than once.
Skip it.
TheOneThatYouWanted6 March 2022
A low budget comedy with unfunny dialogue. The actress shines with what little she is given. The lead actor is as forgettable as this film. I just finished watching it an hour ago and I can't remember if he got away or not. Skip it.
Beetlejuice and The Fugitive get a room
filmfan-332276 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I've followed these creators since their short horror films started popping up in my YouTube feed so I was very curious to see a feature length film from them.
Very good film! The opening lives in a "cat and mouse" style of story and then **SPOILERS AHEAD** ......suddenly the mouse hunts the cat. Really enjoyed the concept and I like these filmmakers. Looking forward to keeping an eye out for what they do next.
Very good film! The opening lives in a "cat and mouse" style of story and then **SPOILERS AHEAD** ......suddenly the mouse hunts the cat. Really enjoyed the concept and I like these filmmakers. Looking forward to keeping an eye out for what they do next.
i tried to like it.....but
michaelh562001-900-12798422 October 2021
This movie was a load of crap period ..... i hated this movie from the beginning. The acting was even less than mediocre ..... the story just plain sucks .... the people who made this wasted my time so screw you .....don't waste your time with it.
6.5/10. Recommended
athanasiosze22 July 2023
Underrated. Much better than the current IMDB rating (5/10) suggests.
I hesitate to characterize this as a horror comedy. Its horror that doesn't take itself too serious. It was a fun ride. Poster and promotional phrase of the movie are dumb though, because they reveal this movie's twist. What was the reason for this?
In any case, i enjoyed this. A dialogue-driven offbeat comedy-horror movie? Whatever this was, it was entertaining. Kinda strange acting, but i liked it. Well structured characters, interesting enough to keep my attention. There was a second twist here that i didn't see it coming. Not mindblowing/original but good.
This was not scary neither hilarious or brilliant but i had fun watching this. Lower your expectations and if you like this genre, you will enjoy it too.
I hesitate to characterize this as a horror comedy. Its horror that doesn't take itself too serious. It was a fun ride. Poster and promotional phrase of the movie are dumb though, because they reveal this movie's twist. What was the reason for this?
In any case, i enjoyed this. A dialogue-driven offbeat comedy-horror movie? Whatever this was, it was entertaining. Kinda strange acting, but i liked it. Well structured characters, interesting enough to keep my attention. There was a second twist here that i didn't see it coming. Not mindblowing/original but good.
This was not scary neither hilarious or brilliant but i had fun watching this. Lower your expectations and if you like this genre, you will enjoy it too.
Terrible
thomasshahbaz-525416 November 2021
Terrible, terrible, undeniably terrible acting from the first second.
Dreadful direction, sapping the tension from anything that could have been tense.
Jarring dialogue.
Distractingly poor hair and makeup.
Grandiose, overblown score.
This money could seriously have been better spent.
Dreadful direction, sapping the tension from anything that could have been tense.
Jarring dialogue.
Distractingly poor hair and makeup.
Grandiose, overblown score.
This money could seriously have been better spent.
Slow start with a POW finish!
juanthomas-041405 October 2021
Gave this one a shot as I found it in the "new & popular" movies category on Comcast and we were pleasantly surprised. Fun concept with a small cast and one really cool house that about 99% of the film takes place in.
As the film opens, I wasn't really sure what I was in for but the two leads kept dishing out little gems that kept me entertained. Then it all ramps up in the 3rd act with a dynamite ending! Really my favorite (and most memorable) part. I wish more of the film lived in this 3rd act energy but I was left satisfied and satiated.
Would recommend if you want something very DIFFERENT than what's been served to us in the mainstream!
As the film opens, I wasn't really sure what I was in for but the two leads kept dishing out little gems that kept me entertained. Then it all ramps up in the 3rd act with a dynamite ending! Really my favorite (and most memorable) part. I wish more of the film lived in this 3rd act energy but I was left satisfied and satiated.
Would recommend if you want something very DIFFERENT than what's been served to us in the mainstream!
Good Storyline But Awkward Presentation
tabuno7 February 2023
This horror comedy thriller is rather difficult to watch as a comedic movie for most of its duration and yet if one has the fortitude to watch it through to the end, it seems to redeem itself some. The primary problem for the audience is the rather off-putting behavior of Finn scripted by Aaron Fradkin, also director, and Vitoria Fratz who plays Jenny, a close friend of Finn. The story outline is solid, but the presentation is somewhat awkward in places as the humor mostly offered up by the luscious and mysterious Val, the woman whose home Finn breaks into and played by Misha Reeves with great affect cannot quite make up for the rather initial overly dramatic, brusque and rough performance by Finn that is actually out of character. In summary, this movie does touch on the notion of good and evil quite well and the last third of the movie almost makes up for the unintentional repelling nature of Finn along with the rather innovative quality performance of Val.
Stylish, strange and clever
agerasim01411 October 2021
This movie was a really fun time. If you are a horror buff I really think you'll enjoy this, but at the same time it's pretty accessible to those that usually don't enjoy horror films(ie me). There aren't any stupid cliches, over the top jump scares or any dumb decisions that characters make just to move the plot forward.
What I really liked: The music and atmosphere. The music here is on point, and the thumping loud sounds really bring the mansion to life. I love the way the director uses music and blur to create a real sense of disorientation and confusion, which Finn( Zachary Moren) is clearly going through a lot of. The film starts out seemingly ordinary and through little details slowly starts to reveal that it is anything but.
The acting: Mischa Reeves as Val was incredible in this film. She is charismatic, mysterious and terrifying. It is difficult to describe specifics of what makes her performance great without spoiling so I will just say there are hints of foreshadowing that can be seen and make it that much more impressive on second viewing. The rest of the cast ranged from fine to great, no complaints really but Reeves was definitely a stand out and was easily the most entertaining character to watch.
The effects:
For a relatively small budget Indy flick this film has very good visual/special effects. This shouldn't come as a surprise if you have been following the creators on YouTube this past year as they have been creating a slew of horror shorts that have seemed to have been the perfect medium for them to hone their effect skills. Well done.
What I didn't like:
Meandering story early on The main issue I had with this movie is that you don't really get too much information on what the story actually is until well past the halfway mark. There is a point when things kind of click and you see where everything thing is going, I just wish that moment came sooner.
Overall- 8.5. Really solid stylized flick that struggles early on but once you're in you are hooked for the rest of the run time and you end up leaving on a relatively high note. I would recommend checking this one out, soon if you can as it is the perfect spooktober film to watch with some friends.
What I really liked: The music and atmosphere. The music here is on point, and the thumping loud sounds really bring the mansion to life. I love the way the director uses music and blur to create a real sense of disorientation and confusion, which Finn( Zachary Moren) is clearly going through a lot of. The film starts out seemingly ordinary and through little details slowly starts to reveal that it is anything but.
The acting: Mischa Reeves as Val was incredible in this film. She is charismatic, mysterious and terrifying. It is difficult to describe specifics of what makes her performance great without spoiling so I will just say there are hints of foreshadowing that can be seen and make it that much more impressive on second viewing. The rest of the cast ranged from fine to great, no complaints really but Reeves was definitely a stand out and was easily the most entertaining character to watch.
The effects:
For a relatively small budget Indy flick this film has very good visual/special effects. This shouldn't come as a surprise if you have been following the creators on YouTube this past year as they have been creating a slew of horror shorts that have seemed to have been the perfect medium for them to hone their effect skills. Well done.
What I didn't like:
Meandering story early on The main issue I had with this movie is that you don't really get too much information on what the story actually is until well past the halfway mark. There is a point when things kind of click and you see where everything thing is going, I just wish that moment came sooner.
Overall- 8.5. Really solid stylized flick that struggles early on but once you're in you are hooked for the rest of the run time and you end up leaving on a relatively high note. I would recommend checking this one out, soon if you can as it is the perfect spooktober film to watch with some friends.
Twisted, sexy, entertaining.
nepeta-099958 May 2022
You can call me Val
laurastheme5 October 2021
This is very out of the ordinary. This movie is fun, witty, and artistic. You will be surprised and entertained. The script is cleverly written and the acting and lighting are a treat. The flashback scenes and the ending are surprising and well done! You will enjoy this comedy thriller.
Genius
akira-hideyo30 October 2021
Clever, cerebral, funny, dark original, fulfilling, entertaining. Superb acting all around. Props to Misha and Zachery. Misha should, if not already, be under Ryan Murphy's radar. Her quaint and substantial acting chops are ripe and her star is clearly shining for bigger better roles. Good job on this surprise gem of a movie. The plot was sharp, crisp and not a moment of bore.
I'm in love
BandSAboutMovies7 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Man, this movie got me.
It starts as a simple criminal -- Fin (Zachary Mooren) -- on the run caper. He's just gotten out of a deal gone wrong and ducks away from the cops and into a mansion, where he thinks he'll have some time for the heat to die down. That's when he learns that he isn't alone.
The house belongs to Val.
Expertly played by Misha Reeves -- who was also in Electric Love, another movie directed by Aaron Fradkin and co-starring Mooren -- Val starts the film very matter of factly explaining her work: she entertains men, gives them a fantasy and often finds herself breaking down the most physically imposing men and making them crawl around on a leash. Kind of like Freddy (Erik Griffin, Montez from Workaholics who, yes, was also in Electric Love), who bursts into the house with one eye whited out and a body full of threat and swagger before being laid low by just a word from the redhead spitfire that's really running things.
That's the thing. Fin thinks that he's in control, but he's been continually led around (mostly by his girlfriend Jenny, who is played by co-writer Victoria Fratz), lied to and used. Even if he grabs that ceremonial dagger that Val for some reason keeps in her kitchen, it's going to take more than that to get past one of the smartest women he'll ever meet.
If she is a woman. Because by the end, we learn that she just might be Valefar, the patron demon of thieves, the one who encourages them to have a good relationship with one another. She keeps offering Fin choices, like the opportunity to be hers, and the chance to stop the spinning wheel that is his life and actually be like her and call the shots. Not everyone is cut out for that.
By the end of the film, it's become a broad -- yet gore-drenched -- comedy with a cop's live head on a plate and Fin being given one last opportunity to live his own life. Unless he just wants to serve in Heaven, rather than rule in Hell. But one gets the feeling that Val isn't one to share the throne.
I loved everything about this film, from its bold colors to its throwback to another era of snappy dialogue back and forth between its leads. Much like the character that it's named for, Val will slowly win you into its confidence and then own you. And hey -- it's only 81 minutes long, so it's not that Faustian of a bargain.
It starts as a simple criminal -- Fin (Zachary Mooren) -- on the run caper. He's just gotten out of a deal gone wrong and ducks away from the cops and into a mansion, where he thinks he'll have some time for the heat to die down. That's when he learns that he isn't alone.
The house belongs to Val.
Expertly played by Misha Reeves -- who was also in Electric Love, another movie directed by Aaron Fradkin and co-starring Mooren -- Val starts the film very matter of factly explaining her work: she entertains men, gives them a fantasy and often finds herself breaking down the most physically imposing men and making them crawl around on a leash. Kind of like Freddy (Erik Griffin, Montez from Workaholics who, yes, was also in Electric Love), who bursts into the house with one eye whited out and a body full of threat and swagger before being laid low by just a word from the redhead spitfire that's really running things.
That's the thing. Fin thinks that he's in control, but he's been continually led around (mostly by his girlfriend Jenny, who is played by co-writer Victoria Fratz), lied to and used. Even if he grabs that ceremonial dagger that Val for some reason keeps in her kitchen, it's going to take more than that to get past one of the smartest women he'll ever meet.
If she is a woman. Because by the end, we learn that she just might be Valefar, the patron demon of thieves, the one who encourages them to have a good relationship with one another. She keeps offering Fin choices, like the opportunity to be hers, and the chance to stop the spinning wheel that is his life and actually be like her and call the shots. Not everyone is cut out for that.
By the end of the film, it's become a broad -- yet gore-drenched -- comedy with a cop's live head on a plate and Fin being given one last opportunity to live his own life. Unless he just wants to serve in Heaven, rather than rule in Hell. But one gets the feeling that Val isn't one to share the throne.
I loved everything about this film, from its bold colors to its throwback to another era of snappy dialogue back and forth between its leads. Much like the character that it's named for, Val will slowly win you into its confidence and then own you. And hey -- it's only 81 minutes long, so it's not that Faustian of a bargain.
Pure, fun, edge of your seat entertainment
puppatunes6 October 2021
Cutting to the chase, I don't like horror films BUT I LOVED VAL! Why? Because the characters and plot are multi-dimensional, it's comical in a subtle, take you by surprise way, the acting and directing superb. Need a break from this crazy world? Watch this movie!
The Twilight Zone: Beetlejuice Edition!
sarahlandsn11 October 2021
I saw someone else compare this film to the Twilight Zone and it really stuck with me. That's a perfect comparison to the beginning of the film where this criminal breaks into the home of a sinister Lucille Ball type escort and everything feels---like a carnival funhouse.
Spoilers ahead! We're slowly led further into this funhouse (Val's house) until we've run out of breadcrumbs and the only way back is this recurring holy roman knife and a climactic faustian decision which is all told through the POV of our protagonist, Fin.
I really loved Val and found both the actress and actor playing the lead roles to have knocked it out of the park. The director, Aaron Fradkin, is someone I've really enjoyed watching grow as a storyteller. Admittedly I probably would have given Val an 8.5 but I rounded up because I've been following this filmmaker duo's work from their short horror films on YouTube and I see how much work they put into each one of their projects.
There's something very refreshing about Val after a sea of traditional horror films, Val feels like a demonic breath of fresh air.
Spoilers ahead! We're slowly led further into this funhouse (Val's house) until we've run out of breadcrumbs and the only way back is this recurring holy roman knife and a climactic faustian decision which is all told through the POV of our protagonist, Fin.
I really loved Val and found both the actress and actor playing the lead roles to have knocked it out of the park. The director, Aaron Fradkin, is someone I've really enjoyed watching grow as a storyteller. Admittedly I probably would have given Val an 8.5 but I rounded up because I've been following this filmmaker duo's work from their short horror films on YouTube and I see how much work they put into each one of their projects.
There's something very refreshing about Val after a sea of traditional horror films, Val feels like a demonic breath of fresh air.
A superb film, possibly best film of the year.
yomtov6136 October 2021
This thriller is brilliantly scripted keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! The ending was totally unexpected and thrilling! If you want a tight fitting screenplay, perfectly executed with superb acting and cinematography, then choose this film. It will not disappoint!
Add this to your Halloween Watchlist!
dreuxmoreland6 October 2021
Are you, like me, sad that there are few films that match the campy magic of Beetlejuice? Do you flip through lists of movies hoping to find something that isn't just a run-of-the-mill slasher, a sadistic torture porn or a ho-hum seen it before villain? If you are like me, definitely throw Val on for an evening of thrills, spills and chills. The acting is impeccable, the director is sure-handed and the script will leave you guessing -- a perfect pairing of sly winks to horror classics, suspenseful turns and a few gutbusting lines. Run, don't walk, and get a copy of Val! Better yet, throw it on for a big party and have a great time with friends.
Be prepared to be thrilled with a smile on your face ;)
paulwkim6 October 2021
Val combines subtle humoristic dialogue in a thriller that turns itself upside down through the course of the story. A game of "cat and mouse" is in play when "Fin" breaks into the house of "Val" and nothing is quite as it seems with any of the characters in this movie. The movie feels like a cross between "The Devil's Advocate" and "Beetlejuice" and contains a wonderful score and some excellent camera work. Pay particular attention to the camera work of the opening scene after intro credits. ;) A must watch for your spooktacular October!
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