Cleveland-made "Buddy" unleashes a killer unicorn
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Introducing "Buddy." Photo: Courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Low Spark Films
He's a unicorn from a magic land, and he's about to terrorize movie theaters nationwide.
Why it matters: The comedy horror film "Buddy" was shot almost entirely in Northeast Ohio last year and opens at a time when low-budget horror films are booming.
State of play: The movie centers on a group of children trapped in a twisted children's TV show hosted by Buddy, a bright orange unicorn who goes from lovable friend to full-on Jason Voorhees.
- It's "Barney" meets "The Wizard of Oz" meets psychological horror, with scenes that range from utterly hilarious to downright disturbing in the most meta way possible.
The intrigue: "Buddy" was written and directed by Casper Kelly, the filmmaker behind Adult Swim's viral comedy-horror hit "Too Many Cooks."
- It stars Cristin Milioti, Topher Grace and Keegan-Michael Key (as the voice of Buddy).
Zoom in: Cleveland-based Low Spark Films produced the movie, which which was shot mostly at Brooklyn's TRG studio and debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
- "I think this 'Buddy' is one of the more unique films of all films, period, let alone of the movies we've done," Low Spark president Tyler Davidson told Axios in February.
The big picture: Low Spark has produced well-received indie films like "Emily the Criminal" and "Take Shelter," but "Buddy" is poised be its biggest hit yet.
- Similar, low-budget horror films like "Obsession," "Backrooms" and "Weapons" have become one of Hollywood's most bankable commodities over the past year.
What's next: "Buddy" opens in theaters Thursday. Cinemark Valley View will host a screening followed by a Q&A with Davidson at 7:30pm Friday.
- Capitol Theatre will do the same at 7:30pm Saturday and 5:30pm Sunday.