The Acid Sorcerer is a trippy, horror anthology movie from 2017. Directed and written by Derek Braasch, and featuring a cast of relatively unknown actors, the film follows different characters and stories that are loosely connected by the use of hallucinogenic drugs and witchcraft. The movie starts with a young couple, played by Larry Bay and Nick Benning, who buy a vial of acid from a drugged-out hippie in the woods. They go back to their cozy cabin to experiment with the drug and things start to get weird when they start having vivid hallucinations of grotesque creatures and bloody, violent scenes.
As the couple spirals into a delirious state, their story intertwines with those of other characters. We meet a witch who uses psychedelics to open portals to other dimensions, a desperate man who turns to black magic to save his dying daughter, a group of teenagers who take acid at a Halloween party, and a man who is haunted by nightmares of a demonic entity that he saw during a drug trip.
Despite the different storylines, the film's main theme is the transformative power of psychedelic experiences. Scenes of drug-induced madness and terror are contrasted with moments of spiritual revelation and transcendence, suggesting that the characters are not just escaping reality but unlocking hidden layers of the universe.
The movie's visuals are impressive, combining practical effects and surreal CGI to create a disturbing and mesmerizing atmosphere. The creature designs are especially noteworthy, as they are both grotesque and fascinating, reminiscent of the works of H.R. Giger and Clive Barker.
The acting is generally decent, with Larry Bay and Nick Benning carrying the bulk of the film's emotional weight. They portray their characters' descent into madness with conviction and vulnerability, making their story the most engaging one in the movie.
Fred Epstein's performance as the cursed man haunted by his visions is also noteworthy, as he brings a sense of tragic complexity to his character. The rest of the cast is serviceable, but they have less screen time and character arcs to work with.
One of the film's strengths is its use of music, which ranges from eerie ambient sounds to psychedelic rock and folk tunes. The soundtrack complements the visuals and enhances the mood of each scene, adding layers of meaning and emotion to the narrative.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing can be a bit uneven, with some scenes feeling too long or too short. There are also some cliches and tropes that feel overused, such as the witch with a black cat familiar and the satanic cultists sacrificing virgins.
Moreover, the film's horror elements are not as scary or suspenseful as some viewers might expect. The emphasis is more on the mind-bending and surreal aspects of the story, rather than on jump scares or gore.
Overall, The Acid Sorcerer is a visually stunning and thematically rich horror film that will appeal to fans of psychedelic culture and surrealism. While it has some flaws and might not be everyone's cup of tea, it is an ambitious and creative work that deserves to be seen by those who appreciate experimental cinema.
The Acid Sorcerer is a 2017 horror movie with a runtime of 49 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.6.
