FOUNDERS DAY

Synopsis: In this bold political slasher from the Bloomquist Brothers, a small town is shaken by a series of ominous killings in the days leading up to a heated mayoral election. As accusations fly and the threat of a masked killer darkens every street corner, the residents must race to uncover the truth before fear consumes the town.

Political spin can make or break a campaign. Those few who possess the skill have the power to command entire nations. In the Bloomquist Brothers’ latest film, FOUNDERS DAY, a small-town mayoral race brings chaos in the form of a serial killer dressed as, you guessed it, a twisted Founding Father straight out of a cliche painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As members of the town of Fairwood get knocked off, one by one, the race is one to find the killer and their ultimate motive. Tackling every political hot-button issue and tactic with a bucket of gore, FOUNDERS DAY is here to mix things up.

Naomi Grace in Founders Day

The cast is chockful of familiar and talented faces. Naomi Grace is Alison. Her character endures relentless trauma, and Grace handles it like a pro. Andrew Stewart-Jones plays Alison’s father, Thomas. He is someone that should be on Jordan Peele‘s radar. This guy is a star. Devin Druid is Adam, the son of Mayoral candidate Harold Faulkner. Druid eats this complicated character for breakfast. He is magnificent.

William Russ in Founders Day

Jayce Bartok plays Faulkner with an over-the-top air straight out of Mad TV. Amy Hargreaves is the current mayor, Blair Gladwell. Her sass and seriousness are a perfect fit for the satire. Director Erik Bloomquist plays Oliver, Gladwell’s right-hand man. He is amazing. William Russ plays the beloved local teacher, Mr. Jackson. Like me, you might know him as Corey’s dad from Boy Meets World. In FOUNDERS DAY, Russ offers the audience the same emotional, moral anchor we loved so much. Catherine Curtin plays Police Commissioner Peterson. Her overly dramatic comedic timing is a thing of the gods. Give her an entire franchise solving small-town murders, I beg of you.

Founders Day

Bloomquist uses key political phrases that anyone living through the ridiculousness of the country since 2015 knows all too well. From the faux outrage, sugary glad-handing, and infighting, what’s a little murder between neighbors. The idea of political tribalism hits you square in the face. You’re simultaneously intrigued and giggling. The kills are brutal as hell. Bloomquist gives us the customary obnoxious ancillary characters but anchors the film with fleshed-out, small-town folks we all relate to. No one is safe, and you have to respect that. The screenplay delivers twist after twist. Don’t for one second think you know what’s going on. The inspirations from SCREAM are unmissable. AK Roy’s end credits kick ass. FOUNDERS DAY has all the makings of a cult classic, with an ending so nuanced it garnered my vote.

Releasing in theaters nationwide on January 19

The newest film from the Bloomquist Brothers (Ten Minutes to Midnight) marks the reunion of 13 Reasons Why duo Devin Druid and Amy Hargreaves, who join an ensemble cast including William Russ (Boy Meets World), Catherine Curtin (Stranger Things), Naomi Grace (NCIS), Emilia McCarthy (SkyMed), Jayce Bartok (SubUrbia), Olivia Nikkanen (The Society), and Andrew Stewart-Jones (Gotham). 

Founders-Day-Character-Lineup

Distribution Company: Dark Sky Films
Production Company: Mainframe Pictures
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Director: Erik Bloomquist
Screenwriters: Erik Bloomquist, Carson Bloomquist
Producers: Erik Bloomquist, Carson Bloomquist, Adam Weppler
Cast: Devin Druid, Emilia McCarthy, Amy Hargreaves, Catherine Curtin, William Russ, Naomi Grace, Olivia Nikkanen, Jayce Bartok, Andrew Stewart Jones, Tyler James White, Erik Bloomquist, Adam Weppler, Kate Edmonds, Dylan Slade, Arun Cameron Storrs
Social Media (Instagram, TikTok & Facebook): @FoundersDayMovie