Vulcanizadora Review: A Gloomy, Funny, and Thought-Provoking New Perspective from Joel Potrykus

      Note: This review was initially published as part of our coverage of Tribeca 2024. Vulcanizadora is set to hit theaters on May 2.

      Similar to the punk-rock relative of Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy, Joel Potrykus’ Vulcanizadora also tells a story of a journey through the woods that highlights the moment an old friendship comes to a sudden end. The film represents a sort of maturation for the Michigan-based provocateur, revisiting characters introduced in his 2014 film Buzzard and certain themes from his lesser-known 2016 feature The Alchemist Cookbook. Like many artists transitioning from the early to mid-stages of their careers, Potrykus delves into themes of family—specifically, abandonment—while still maintaining the rawness of his earlier works. This raises a bit of a dilemma, but unlike other indie filmmakers who begin modestly and then aim for broader projects, Potrykus refreshingly chooses to remain grounded. (His 2018 gem Relaxer was confined to the corner of an apartment rather than expanding his slacker universe).

      Vulcanizadora revisits Marty Jackitansky (Joshua Burger) and Derek Skiba (Potrykus) as they head into the woods near Grand Rapids for a somber weekend together. Derek, recently divorced, has a desk job in mortgage origination. Marty is lost and awaits sentencing for arson, a crime he fully admits to committing. It seems neither of them wants to make this trip, and Derek is initially irritated by Marty’s attempt to create fanfiction inspired by Faces of Death using an old MiniDV camera.

      Filmed on 16mm by Adam J. Minnick and edited by Potrykus, Vulcanizadora features long takes that place us in an awkward but compelling atmosphere. Once the reasons for their trip are revealed, it becomes clear that it’s more than just a leisurely stroll in the woods. Marty appears to be pushed into this adventure by the assertive Derek, who has a plan involving glow sticks, snacks, vintage adult magazines, and homemade explosives.

      Vulcanizadora is the most somber film Potrykus has created while still preserving the edgy, dark humor characteristic of his earlier works. As seen in Relaxer, The Alchemist Cookbook, and Buzzard, we witness the lengths characters will go to, while his latest film expands to explore the repercussions and irony as Marty is compelled to mature. When we first encounter him, he’s an amateur check-forger hiding out in Detroit’s wilderness, still caught in a state of arrested development and struggling to find a sense of purpose. At least his character in Relaxer had a clear objective.

      The film predominantly succeeds by achieving a delicate tonal balance, partly functioning as a freak show while also addressing the timely issue of men withdrawing from society for various reasons. Derek is experiencing a regression, despite being a caring father who takes pride in his son (played by the director's own child, Solo).

      Potrykus’ work tends to be an acquired taste. He has opted to stay in Michigan, crafting provocative films with frequent collaborators instead of seeking wider exposure, casting rising stars, and aligning with larger indie distributors. Vulcanizadora is a forward step without compromise—often hilarious, thought-provoking, and even cautionary. Some people manage to get their lives on track, others do not, and sometimes individuals regress under the weight of pressure.

      Vulcanizadora premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Festival.