In the world of horror, Bad Girl Boogey emerges as a refreshing and intense addition. What sets this film apart is its diverse cast of queer, trans, and non-binary actors, offering a fresh perspective on the conventional slasher format.
The story unfolds in a small town, where a mysterious masked embarks on a killing spree, seemingly only targeting trans and queer individuals.
Amidst the mounting terror, Angel (Lisa Fanto) experiences a shattering loss when her friend Lila (Prudence Cassar) is killed during a night out. Angel soon makes a connection between the masked killer and the individual who had killed her mother years ago. Frustrated by the limited assistance from the police, Angel, accompanied by her friend Dario (Iris Mcerlean), takes it upon herself to unveil the identity of the killer.
The two eventually discover that the mask worn by the killer is no ordinary object–it carries a curse, cast decades ago by a vengeful German, fueled by his hatred towards queer people. Ultimately, after more gruesome murders, Angel and Dario reveal and defeat the killer, destroying the cursed mask.
Bad Girl Boogey takes the slasher genre, a genre of horror that peaked in popularity from the late 50s to the early 90s, and infuses it with new life. Putting queer and trans people at the center of her narrative, young filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay provides a thought-provoking commentary on the consequences of bigotry and hatred, forcing its viewers to confront the horrors of intolerance.
Despite its low budget, Bad Girl Boogey boasts impressive performances from its diversity. The film manages to create an intense, immersive atmosphere, effectively drawing the audience into the world it portrays.
However, it's essential to note that Bad Girl Boogey is not for the faint of heart… The film presents gruesome kills and intense language, making it better suited for mature audiences seeking a gripping cinematic experience.
What kind of film series would this narrative fit in?
Bad Girl Boogey could find its place within both a Halloween film series and a collection of films by trans filmmakers.
How would audiences react to this screening?
Viewers of Bad Girl Boogey would experience a rollercoaster of emotions, from fear and suspense to empathy and profound reflection. The film’s ability to blend classic slasher horror elements with a socially conscious narrative would keep viewers on the edge of their seats while encouraging meaningful discussions.