‘BOOGER’ (Popcorn Frights 2024) Body horror meets grief in Mary Dauterman’s festival favorite

popcorn frights 2024 logoBOOGER

BoogerIn filmmaker Mary Dauterman‘s Popcorn Frights film, BOOGER, Anna spirals following the sudden death of her roommate. Holding tight to Izzy’s phone and their adopted stray cat. When Booger bites her and escapes out the window, Anna’s grief journey is derailed by unusual symptoms from her injury.

Heather Matarazzo‘s initial appearance is one of the best scenes in the film. When she calls Anna 9/11, it’s one of the funniest moments. It’s shockingly hysterical and not offensive, speaking as someone in the city that day.

Videos saved on Izzy’s phone heighten our emotional investment in Anna’s loss. Even as a deceased character, Sofia Dobrushin is equally present as any other actor. Endlessly charming, you want her to be your best friend and deeply understand Anna’s loss. 

Grace Glowicki gives Anna a relatability, especially for anyone who has lost someone close. Her transformation throughout the film is fantastic. It is half self-destructive and the other half monstrous mutation. Glowicki is deliciously unhinged and inarguably perfect. 

It is easy to see why BOOGER has been killing it on the festival circuit. FX are spectacular. The subtle but gag-worthy progression is noteworthy. Speaking of gagging, if your reflex is at all weak, you may not make it to the end. I ingest A LOT of horror, and I almost lost it. BOOGER is a one-of-a-kind body horror comedy.  This unique examination of grief is like nothing else you’ll see this year.

DATE: Saturday, August 10
TIME: Video On Demand
VENUE: Digital Screening Room

YEAR: 2023

COUNTRY: USA

RUNTIME: 78 min

DIRECTOR: Mary Dauterman

WRITER: Mary Dauterman

STARRING: Grace Glowicki, Garrick Bernard, Heather Matarazzo

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