Teenage Ada lives in a closed woodland community with her family which sounds idyllic were it not for the fact that that deity they worship demands human blood. Ada's problems escalate when she discovers that she is pregnant and that that she is soon to be sacrificed to the pit.
Jug Face is a wonderfully constructed and quietly intelligent film, with a plot which from it's description unfairly invokes up images of something perhaps more B-movie-ish. What you will find rather than a sensationalised romp through the woods with inbred hillbillies is an emotionally intelligent coming of age drama, with some very respectable quality horror included in the mix.
Performances here are consistently wonderful, with Sean Young in particularly terrifying form as Ada's sadistic mother (she is arguably more horrific than whatever it is that lives inside the pit). Elsewhere, relationships between characters are believable, often touching and collectively build a picture of a real community whom rely upon one another entirely for survival, support and solace. Ada suffers inner conflict during her transition from teenager to adult, wrestling with her individualistic urges and her responsibilities to the community. A sense of reverence and fear for the pit comes across very well and clearly throughout. Visual effects are used sparingly and appropriately and never at the expense of the story.
This is very human film with potentially wide appeal. It would be of definite interest to cinema buffs and movie snobs as well as genre-loyal horror fans. Older teenagers may possibly enjoy it. Anybody who craves a break from the stupidity of the mainstream should give it a try. For people who would rather see CGI demons or torture porn Jug Face will be of absolutely no interest at all and undoubtedly leave them bored and somewhat baffled.
Overall aside from being extraordinarily enjoyable and intriguing Jug Face is quite simply a well-conceived, well-acted and well executed film. No silly plot holes, no desperate plot twists- just a good solid piece of work with strong dialogue and an interesting thematic premise. In a world where the opposite is the norm, all of this is quite an achievement. Director Chad Crawford Kinkle is one to watch and based on this directorial début seems certain to go on to do great things.
There really should be more films like this one.
Jug Face is a wonderfully constructed and quietly intelligent film, with a plot which from it's description unfairly invokes up images of something perhaps more B-movie-ish. What you will find rather than a sensationalised romp through the woods with inbred hillbillies is an emotionally intelligent coming of age drama, with some very respectable quality horror included in the mix.
Performances here are consistently wonderful, with Sean Young in particularly terrifying form as Ada's sadistic mother (she is arguably more horrific than whatever it is that lives inside the pit). Elsewhere, relationships between characters are believable, often touching and collectively build a picture of a real community whom rely upon one another entirely for survival, support and solace. Ada suffers inner conflict during her transition from teenager to adult, wrestling with her individualistic urges and her responsibilities to the community. A sense of reverence and fear for the pit comes across very well and clearly throughout. Visual effects are used sparingly and appropriately and never at the expense of the story.
This is very human film with potentially wide appeal. It would be of definite interest to cinema buffs and movie snobs as well as genre-loyal horror fans. Older teenagers may possibly enjoy it. Anybody who craves a break from the stupidity of the mainstream should give it a try. For people who would rather see CGI demons or torture porn Jug Face will be of absolutely no interest at all and undoubtedly leave them bored and somewhat baffled.
Overall aside from being extraordinarily enjoyable and intriguing Jug Face is quite simply a well-conceived, well-acted and well executed film. No silly plot holes, no desperate plot twists- just a good solid piece of work with strong dialogue and an interesting thematic premise. In a world where the opposite is the norm, all of this is quite an achievement. Director Chad Crawford Kinkle is one to watch and based on this directorial début seems certain to go on to do great things.
There really should be more films like this one.