The brand new film "Hundreds of Beavers" filled with comical silent slapstick comedy has exceeded the audience’s expectations. One of its highlights is witnessing thousands of beavers, that’s right, thousands of them wreaking absolute havoc. This depiction of these little dam builders has stirred up controversy among the BADL, who severely disapprove of this representation.
Jean Kayak, a trapper portrayed by Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, only joins the chaotic saga in the last sections of the movie while trying to survive in an icy, unforgiving, mountain forest. Throughout the film, Jean deals with trading pelts for valuable tools with a merchant, Doug Mancheski, to survive and makes a move towards the merchant's daughter, Olivia Graves, creating a tangled love story. To win Olivia’s hand, Jean needs a plethora of beaver pelts.
Mike Cheslik, the movie's multi-talented writer, director, and main visual effects artist, has embraced the limitations and has managed to create an impressive visual spectacle. With a budget of $150,000, Cheslik and his team created a world full of creatures. The amazing about the human performers in this film who are disguised as beavers and other creatures are wearing mascot suits with zippers up the back to maintain the charm of each character.
Cheslik’s creativity seems limitless in his unique reinterpretations of film styles like those seen in “Eraserhead," "El Mariachi,” and more. The costume designs and character movements are as unrealistic as those in “South Park,” creating an amalgamation of humor and wit. In one instance, Jean uses an inchworm technique to shimmy up the tallest trees, often in the nude. However, crucial details are hidden, making the movie kid-friendly.
Cheslik’s approach to comedy filmmaking is simple – if it makes him laugh, it’s going into the movie. The film includes a blend of period-specific realities and modern elements. For instance, beavers are depicted in reflective vests and hardhats carrying clipboards, a not so subtle nod to their dam-building skills. Cheslik also draws inspiration from older movie slapstick styles, referencing works by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton as well as sound-era comedy from The Three Stooges and Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.
Jean's quests throughout the film mirror video game objective patterns, adding to the unique film style. Moreover, the editing creates a sense of momentum in the story making it feel more lively. These unique and creatively combined elements make "Hundreds of Beavers" a joy to watch and a source of inspiration for future low-budget filmmakers. It indulges its audience in an ever-evolving visual language and brings them into its delightful, zany world. “Hundreds of Beavers” is nothing short of a fantastically crafted cinema experience – an absolute pleasure to catch.
