Through a surreal chase of spying, Catafuse, a dubiously dressed creature, hunts humans with the help of Molosstrap. But in a world ruled by the pharma industry, reality becomes so complex that the mastering of insanity might just be the only way out.
"Atmo Horrox" is written, produced and directed by Pat Tremblay. You might know him as the writer-producer of Bloody Disgusting's debut production HELLACIOUS ACRES. He also recently edited the legendary Richard Stanley's OTHERWORLD documentary. With "Atmo", though, he really leaves a mark that won't soon be forgotten.
Here are some words that describe this film: bizarre, unique, experimental. This is a world with many strange people (Creatures? Aliens?), with the most prominent being a man who has balloon tentacles where his genitalia should be. Although the film is serious (as much as such a thing can be), you could easily imagine this working in a sort of "candid camera" or JACKASS sense
the reactions from unsuspecting folks would be hilarious.
The film opens with some old school mask-making effects, and whatever else one may think of the picture, you have to admire the level of technical skill in all aspects of the film. Creature design, color choices in cinematography, and especially the sound. There is almost a complete lack of decipherable words, making Gilles Maillet's sound department all the more crucial. The disconcerting cacophony of noise somehow works. What should be annoying actually feels like the appropriate score.
Underneath the vividly surreal imagery, you have to wonder if there is a message. Is this a commentary on the pharmaceutical industry? We first come across this theme in a scene between Dr. Amando Carducci and a patient. Although no words are exchanged, and even the doctor's writing is gibberish, the scene suggests that the patient is being analyzed and is about to be prescribed a long list of drugs. The fact that the doctor tries several times before he comes up with the right combination is cause for concern.
"Atmo Horrox" was screened at the 2016 Fantasia International Film Festival. This is not a film for everyone. It is not always an easy film, and it defies all conventions of what a genre film should be. But one thing is certain: this is by far the most original film to come out this year.
