Gutboy: A Badtime Story is a dark comedy horror movie from 2017 directed by Elias. The movie follows the story of Wendell, played by Charly Bivona, a young man who is struggling with mental health issues and trying to make ends meet by working at a fast food restaurant. He is living with his supportive but struggling girlfriend, Dora, played by Coco Conroy, in a rundown apartment complex.
One day, Wendell accidentally swallows a mysterious pill that unleashes an evil entity from his gastrointestinal tract. This entity, which he calls 'Gutboy', takes control of his body and starts to wreak havoc in his life. Gutboy convinces Wendell to quit his job, abandon his girlfriend, and engage in various self-destructive behaviors. Wendell is horrified as he finds himself powerless in the face of Gutboy's evil influence.
As the story progresses, we see Wendell struggling to rid himself of Gutboy and regain control of his life. He seeks help from a counselor, played by Will Cooper, but his efforts are in vain as Gutboy continues to take over his existence. Wendell's journey is both terrifying and hilarious, as he battles his inner demons and tries to break free from Gutboy's clutches.
The movie provides a fresh take on the horror genre, blending elements of comedy and tragedy to create a unique and unforgettable experience. The special effects are impressive, with Gutboy's transformation into a monstrous entity being both gross and terrifying. The story is well-written, with plenty of twists and surprises that keep the audience engaged throughout the film.
One notable aspect of the movie is its exploration of mental health issues. Gutboy can be seen as a metaphor for Wendell's struggles with depression and anxiety, and how these issues can take over one's life. The movie portrays mental illness with empathy, avoiding stigmatizing or sensationalizing the issue.
The performances in Gutboy are excellent, with Charly Bivona delivering a standout performance as Wendell. He brings both comedy and pathos to his character, making the audience relate to his struggles while also laughing at his misfortunes. Coco Conroy is also fantastic as Dora, providing a strong and supportive presence amidst the chaos of the story. Will Cooper is great as the counselor, bringing a much-needed sense of sanity to the proceedings.
Overall, Gutboy: A Badtime Story is an entertaining and thought-provoking horror movie that fans of the genre should definitely check out. It's a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat while also making you laugh and think. The filmmakers have created a unique and original story that deserves to be seen.
Gutboy: A Badtime Story is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.
