Booger, the debut feature from writer-director Mary Dauterman, is a unique blend of body horror and comedy that explores the depths of intense female friendship and the grief that follows its tragic loss. Set against the backdrop of a supernatural transformation, the film stands out for its originality and clever approach to the genre.
Grace Glowicki delivers a standout performance as Ana, effortlessly blending quirkiness with a subtle unease. Her mannerisms, particularly in a scene where she interacts with fish, are so convincingly feline that I actually paused the film to observe how my own cat would react in a similar situation. Glowicki perfectly embodies a character whose bizarre way of coping with grief—by transforming into a cat—adds a satirical twist to the classic body horror genre. It's a clever nod to films like The Fly, with a fresh, playful vibe that feels like the kind of horror movie Greta Gerwig might create if she ventured into the genre.
The film’s camera work is impressive, with clever angles that enhance the narrative and create a distinct visual style. The editing, which skillfully weaves together phone video and traditional camera footage, adds a layer of modernity to the storytelling, giving Booger a distinctive voice. The score complements the film perfectly, adding a sense of intensity that keeps the viewer engaged, even during its slower moments.
However, Booger does have its imperfections. At times, the film leans toward being a bit pretentious, which may leave some viewers questioning whether the director intended to make an art film or a horror movie. While the film is smart and clever, it sometimes plays it safe, especially towards the end. A bolder conclusion could have elevated the story to new heights, but even so, the resolution is satisfying.
Heather Matarazzo’s appearance adds a touch of legitimacy to the cast, bringing her usual fun and engaging presence to the film. Her role, along with those of Garrick Bernard, Marcia DeBonis, and David Rysdahl, rounds out a cast that delivers strong performances across the board.
In the end, Booger is a fun, quirky, and original film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s a bit slow at times, but the unique blend of horror and comedy makes it a worthwhile watch, especially for those who enjoy something a little out of the ordinary. If you’re someone who finds solace in singing in the shower, you might just find a kindred spirit in this film.
With Booger, Mary Dauterman proves she has a bright future ahead, offering a fresh and distinctive voice in the world of horror-comedy. We all deal with grief differently, and in this case, some of us turn into cats. That’s the lesson here, right?
Jessie Hobson