Dom (Josh Stifter) and his friend Miles (Keith Radichel) run a video blog looking at various cryptozoological phenomena. Dom’s just about to give everything up when he receives a tape that appears to show a Chupacabra in some woods. The pair set off to stay on the land of Doug (co-writer Daniel Degnan), who is more than happy to let them attempt to capture the mythical creature on video. After an eventless night – apart from the pair having some brilliantly realised dreams – they wander the woods and find the skeletal remains of… something.
Presented in black and white, director/co-writer/star Josh Stifter takes his lead from indie champion Kevin Smith. The comparisons are easy to make, particularly with the snappy dialogue. It borrows a theme from one of his later films, too, but we won’t spoil that here. While Stifter’s script isn’t as sharp as Smith’s debut Clerks, it has some charm that keeps the interest. It’s when the movie shifts up a gear in the final act that it comes into its own.
The characters being self-aware and cineliterate (just like in Smith’s films) allows the dialogue to flow naturally and, carrying most of the weight, Stifter is an adequate – if not altogether convincing – leading man. There was clearly a labour of love and even if it’s not wholly successful, it’s entertaining and has a brilliant twist that serves the character as well as providing some disturbing visuals.
Greywood’s Plot is available on digital worldwide on September 16th.
