Synopsis:
Over the course of one rough night, Devi, seven years sober, must make a difficult choice between who she loves and what she loves.
I really should have read the synopsis before pouring my pre-review whiskey and settling down for this evening’s viewing…I keep side-eyeing my drink. BOO is the second film by writer/producer Rakefet Abergel, the first being the well-received, critically acclaimed, Jax in Love. This is, however, her directorial debut. Abergel notes that “Boo is a film about addiction, but we attempted to tackle a serious issue with a bit of supernatural fun.” The film has recently won the Best Female Director/Women of Horror award at Happenstance Horror Fest which was presented by Morbidly Beautiful!
The plot is simple enough: We meet Devi (Rakefet Abergel) chatting to a few friends after what we can assume is a weekly AA meeting. They commend Devi making it to seven years sober, which is obviously a large milestone. The three friends all drop hints as to how their addictions have destroyed lives but one can easily read into the body language and verbal cues—realising that they are all jonesing for that fix, be it drink or drug. As the three part ways, Devi bumps into a drunk looking for and offering a bit of “fun.” Will Devi succumb to her past addictions? Answering that will spoil everything, but suffice it to say…maybe?
Boo is important for a number of reasons, both general and personal. Generally speaking, it’s important because more than 50% of the cast and crew were women, which is great to hear. We’re big fans of the Women in Horror Film Festival too and want to see many more of our beloved scream queens getting the recognition that they deserve in the industry. If you are interested in hearing more about this, here is a behind the scenes featurette.
Also, it has a clear message without hidden themes or tricky interpretations. Addiction is an issue for many and it needs to be talked about, brought into mainstream conversation and tackled as a common issue rather than the hushed taboo it oftentimes remains. The film puts a heavy emphasis on being honest and open with one’s partner, something that many of us (myself included) are often wary about doing for fear of rejection or disappointing one’s significant other. We only want to show our good sides, wearing those comforting masks to hide the demons that lurk within.
On a more personal note, the film really hit me like stake to the heart. My father passed a little over a year ago from alcohol addiction (cirrhosis and liver cancer) and he was the first in his town to have been kicked out of the local AA (for pitching up shitfaced to a meeting and hurling expletives at the members). This film, while talking addiction, is very sobering as it discusses the effects that addiction can have on the family, your loved ones, and those around you.
Taking a step back from the emotional side, Boo is technically flawless. The few special effects are fantastic, the cinematography is amazing, the acting genuine, and the editing impeccable. Everything is as it should be, which means it’s probably going to clean up while doing its rounds on the indie circuit—as it should. Also, that poster is absolutely brilliant (check below).
I was not a huge fan of Abergel’s first film, Jax in Love, though I was seemingly in the minority. This made me a little apprehensive going into this short—expecting something akin to the first. I’m very relieved to admit that my worries were unfounded and that this a real gem of a film; intelligent, meaningful, darkly comedic (maybe unintentional), somewhat campy, and a lot of fun. I would not go so far as to call it terrifying or even creepy—in truth it’s not very scary at all, but it’s a great piece of cinema and it comes heavily recommended.
Thanks for reading and stay sordid. I’m going to link all of the upcoming screenings, the teaser trailer, websites and such below for your convenience.
UPCOMING SCREENINGS
Show Low Film Festival- Show Low, Arizona – October – Early Selection Semi-Finalist
Scares That Care – Williamsburg, VA – August
For more info visit: www.MeetMyBoo.com
OFFICIAL BOO TRAILER :
Written & Directed by: Rakefet Abergel
Production Company: Cyclamen Films
Produced by: Rakefet Abergel & Marshall Langohr
Consulting Director & Editor: Ned Thorne
Director of Photography: Alex U. Griffin
