I am rewatching Slapface with grief stricken eyes due to personal circumstances, it has made the film so much more potent.
Slapface is a film about a monster in the woods, grief, remorse, belonging, bullying and emotional abuse. All I knew about the film when going in was that a boy creates a dangerous relationship with a monster in the woods, plus the riveting poster. Boy, was that an understatement. Go in not knowing much about the film and travel along the emotional journey it takes you. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Which by the way has one of the best end songs I have heard in a while, kudos to Curtis Braly for Turn Down The Voices, who also turns up as a nurse in the film. It is a masterpiece. Also a good written piece about bullying at the end, anti-bullying is one of the major messages the film is about. It is an emotive subject and this film will give you plenty to talk about afterwards.
The film has a sterling cast but the star is certainly August Maturo as Lucas. For someone so young he gives such a compelling performance and certainly has what it takes to mesmerise you in the role. August is totally believable as the grief stricken Lucas who befriends a monster in the woods. Which of the characters is a real monster though? That is the question as you watch the characters unfold.
The role of Tom was in more than capable hands with Mike Manning. He acted the role perfectly. In fact I think the casting was spot on. A shout out to Bianca and her twin sister Chiara D'Ambrosio as the bullying Donna and Rose, they came across as perfect villains, very well acted. Mirabelle Lee as Moriah was someone you might be shouting at during the film due to the character's choices. Mirabelle came across extremely well and was an asset to the production. Libe Barer as Anna was brilliant and give great support to the rest of the cast.
Last but not least, Lukas Hassel as The Monster, and what a monster indeed. Totally terrifying makeup and effects. Superbly brought to life and I would so love to know more about where the rumours of the monster in the woods came from, I need a prequel.
I absolutely adore Slapface and it has already become my favourite of 2022, it will take something special to overtake it for me. Sit down, watch the film and be prepared to be emotionally drained by the end. Thank you to Jeremiah Kipp, the cast and crew, for bringing this film to life.
