Who could forget the credits rolling down after watching "Destroy All Neighbors," a so-called horror-comedy about a vexing neighbor and an inadvertent 'serial manslaughterer.' Notable names include Rich Zim, the architect behind the psychedelic opening sequence that submerges viewers in a shifting, kaleidoscopic tunnel of random objects like eyeballs, trees, microchips, and more.
Other essential contributors include Gabriel Bartalos, the special make-up effects maestro recognized for partnering with cult-qualified artists like Matthew Barney and Frank Henenlotter, and leading spotlight hogs, Jonah Ray Rodrigues (a co-player on "Mystery Science Theater 3000") and Alex Winter (co-conductor of "Freaked"). Additionally, the epic pairing also happens to be co-producers of "Destroy All Neighbors."
Keep your eyes peeled for casting honcho, Charlene Lee, whose earlier credits involve blockbuster hits and comedies centered on comedic talents like “Beef,” “Fargo,” “Review,” and “Sherman’s Showcase.” Lee and her team undoubtedly deserve applause for assembling the perfect cast in a comedy that isn't solely about the plot but the symbiotic ensemble experience. Hence, it's more about the unforgettable gestures and punchlines than the surreal humor, practical effects, or specific performers.
The storyline, while familiar, highlights the very relatable struggle of playing the role of a neighbor. Here's a peek into it. Will (by Rodrigues), a struggling artist, has been working on a progressive prog rock album for three years with the support of his girlfriend Emily (Kiran Deol). Their calm is disrupted when their formerly quiet neighbor sells his apartment, and in moves an irksome stranger who blares disturbing EDM music at odd hours. Enter Vlad (Winter), a chummy foreigner whose character comes alive through his peculiar appearance resembling a mix between a roadie and a troll, decked out with Popeye forearms, prominent tattoos, and a newsboy cap.
The narrative acquires gusto after Will's unintentional murder of Vlad. Scenes involving Will's job as a sound mixer for spineless Caleb Bang Jansen (Ryan Kattner), a musician prone to frequent tantrums, further add to the drama and humor.
It’s the comedic camaraderie that takes the cake here. Watch out for scenes featuring “Swig” Anderson’s (Jon Daly) comedic pieces of advice, designed to humor all but about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Somewhere between his personal information spill about alimony, ex-partners, and disposing of human remains, you might stop chuckling long enough to agree that these jokes don't serve to propel the scenes, but they sure guarantee a laugh.
Ray shines as a beacon of wonderful West Coast humor, specializing in amusing quips about failing artists, plagiarized movie scripts, and never-ending jam sessions.
But it's perhaps the bromance between Ray and his co-stars that is absolutely enjoyable, as they maneuver through pickle after pickle, demonstrating perfect collaboration and making "Destroy All Neighbors" an experience to remember.
To sum up, watching "Destroy All Neighbors” might just introduce you to a new gang of wacky buddies whose out-of-the-ordinary comedic camaraderie makes it worth the watch, thanks largely to Ms. Lee and her skills in casting the perfect ensemble.
Simon Abrams, a freelance film critic from New York, has graced a number of famous media fronts like The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Village Voice, among others.
