Crumb Catcher (2023) - Blu-ray Evaluation

      Crumb Catcher, 2023.

      Directed by Chris Skotchdopole.

      Featuring Rigo Garay, Ella Rae Peck, John Speredakos, Lorraine Farris, and Rebecca Watson.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A newlywed couple finds themselves being blackmailed by the waiter and bartender from their wedding reception. Shane (Rigo Garay) and Leah (Ella Rae Peck) are enjoying their wedding celebration when Shane, feeling dizzy, steps away for a moment. The next morning, plagued by a hangover, Shane struggles to recall the events of the previous night. As they prepare to leave for their honeymoon at Leah's boss's secluded mansion, Shane begins receiving unsettling messages on his phone that suggest something occurred the night before. Panic sets in when he receives a video clip depicting his actions. Then, a knock is heard at the door…

      Crumb Catcher marks Chris Skotchdopole's feature directorial debut and is supported by indie genre legend Larry Fessenden, who serves as co-writer and producer. The film carries Fessenden’s signature style, featuring themes of dark Americana within its absurd storyline. The visitors at the door are John (John Speredakos) and his wife Rose (Lorraine Farris), who were the waiter and bartender at the reception, pretending to return an inconsequential missing wedding cake.

      Shane and Leah, being decent people, let John in, but their choice quickly turns regretful when he refuses to leave, his overly friendly demeanor making it difficult for them to be rude. Leah is eager for John to go, but struggles to comprehend why Shane doesn’t simply ask him to leave. The dynamic becomes grippingly darkly humorous, especially as John attempts to coerce Shane into investing in his 'Crumb Catcher' invention.

      John and Rose mistakenly assume the newlyweds are wealthy, as they live in a large house adorned with artwork, have a cash envelope from their wedding, and Shane identifies as a writer. However, the script gradually reveals clues that indicate John is misjudging the couple's situation, such as Shane's unpublished status, with Leah working to secure his first book's publication through her job at a publishing house.

      While the setup and character backgrounds are laid out, the intense atmosphere of the first two acts diminishes in the third act, where the resolution feels anticlimactic and contrasts sharply with the previous build-up and Speredakos's dynamic performance. Unfortunately, Speredakos carries much of the film, as the other characters come across as bland and unlikable. Rigo Garay’s portrayal of Shane lacks depth, only truly igniting during moments of anger, which are not frequent enough given the narrative's circumstances.

      In quieter scenes, Garay appears unconvincing, portraying a character who is somewhat hollow. Though it’s suggested Shane has a complex background, we only learn of an unsavory father and some tattoos indicating a potentially dubious past. Leah’s role also suffers, as she is left with little to do in the final act, despite earlier hints at her turning the tables on their blackmailers. The tonal shift from tense thriller to dark comedy feels jarring, with only Speredakos seemingly aligned with the film’s direction.

      The disc includes several short films by Chris Skotchdopole, showcasing his filmmaking skills. While there are enjoyable moments, especially for a casual viewer scrolling through streaming options, Crumb Catcher may not be fulfilling enough as a blind buy on Blu-ray, particularly as it loses momentum before the end credits roll.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward