Title: Booger
Director: Mary Dauterman
Starring: Grace Glowicki, Garrick Bernard, Heather Matarazzo
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Runtime: 1 hr 17 mins

What It Is: After her dead friend’s cat runs away, Anna grows desperate to find him, ignoring the fact that her life (and body) is totally falling apart.

What We Think: This aptly named effort from director Mary Dauterman has the essence of leftover takeout—it can taste so good but sometimes leave you with unpleasant consequences later. Right from the start, this is a beautiful film to look at. I love, love, love the artistry in Booger, with its clever use of color, framing, and visual effects that perfectly complement the film’s offbeat portrayal of grief. The concept of searching for the cat of your deceased best friend speaks volumes on its own, and the exploration of this theme, through both the performances and the aforementioned visual blend, makes the film worth watching.

Grotesque visual gags occur throughout as part of Grace Glowicki’s character development, using smart practical effects to sprinkle in a bit of body horror. However, even without those elements, her performance would still be just as captivating. Supported by a solid cast, the film truly shines in its emotional moments, though there are occasional lulls where dialogue stumbles and characters mumble through scenes just long enough until the next burst of narrative energy kicks in. Some technical aspects, like editing choices and sound design, fall short in smoothing over these gaps. While the effects are brilliant, the film can feel a bit jittery at times. That said, Booger embraces its weirdness with no reservations.

Our Grade: B; This film is a peculiar indie treat, satisfying us with a combination of a terrific lead performance and trippy, creative visuals—plus the repeated use of a certain song that curiously resonates throughout.