FRIGHTFEST 2020 - Butt Boy

FRIGHTFEST 2020

On paper, Tyler Cornack's Butt Boy is a ridiculously outlandish and unfilmable spectacle of pure disgust. However, on-screen, it is a hilarious and entertaining exhibition of utter madness for a little over ninety minutes.

Cornack, along with co-writer Ryan Koch, have thought up perhaps one of the vilest yet hilarious premises imaginable. That being said, it is not just the premise that defines this feature – the execution throughout is brilliant and nothing short of terrific, with a fantastic balance of tone on offer. It is hilarious but never plays it overly farcical. There is a sense of restraint and realism involved that not only works for the feature never to drown in self-indulgence but, with how deadpan it is, the events that transpire are even more hilariously intoxicating. 

This deadpan approach is lifted from the screenplay but is truly solidified by the performances from, director and star, Tyler Cornack alongside Tyler Rice. Both are extraordinarily compelling and, quite surprisingly, captivating in their respective execution, especially concerning the subject matter. Rice, in particular, showcases excellent skill in what is a stereotypical role, but said character is an ironic genre convention played for laughs.

Performances aside, there is an incredible balance of tone involved here, in which Cornack threads horror and comedy with profound impact and consequence. This is especially noting a thematic twist between the antagonist and protagonist throughout that not only adds to the engagement levels but the influence and sway of Butt Boy overall.