Not everyone knows that the Rocky Horror Picture Show has a sequel, and although Shock Treatment never saw the same level of success as its predecessor, the updated music left an impression on me. I didn’t think I’d get that love for that until now, while watching Eldritch USA. This work written and directed by Ryan Smith (along with Tyler Foreman) in his debut feature film is just as satirical and well conducted.
Although there’s no song praising those who truly run Denton, that’s because what’s going on in this other city is much worse! Here, it’s more about mysterious cults who know how to raise the dead. When brothers Geoff (Graham Weldin) and Rich Brewer (Andy Phinney) constantly bicker and feud, I thought there might be a Cain and Abel moment.
The latter doesn’t like living under the other’s shadow, and although giving him the axe is accidental, the young man also realises he can’t live without the other; just what he does to bring him back to life is needed, but it seems life goes back to normal… or so it seems. What truly makes this musical work is that it genuinely touches on all those bottled up feelings.
When Lovecraft’s works inspired the screenplay, that’s enough to get my attention. And when the movie, Tucker and Dale, may have contributed to the backdrop elements, the fallout is just as crazy. Although there wasn’t a cult involved in that film, what happens here concerns just how badly people, fearing the worst behave, and the coven here seems much more inept than those teens thinking those bumpkins can’t do diddly-squat.
Even after successive watches, the melodies offered will stick, and over time, I sincerely hope Eldritch USA will transform into a full-on stage musical in the coming years.
4½ Stars out of 5
Eldritch USA Movie Trailer
