8 March, 2025 Chai Simone 0 Comments 3 categories

Title: Lockjaw
MPA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Director: Sabrina Greco
Starring: Blu Hunt, Colin Burgess, Nick Corirossi, Kevin Grossman, Ally Davis
Runtime: 1 hr 17 mins

What It Is: In the months following a drunken night that led to a car accident and a broken jaw, the young and restless Rayna (Hunt) finds herself at a hipster party with her situationship (Mitch) (Burgess) and friend Noah (Grossman). Though still her mischievous self, Rayna is forced to murmur her way through life, her jaw braced shut as it heals. Determined to make the most of her circumstances, she continually pushes Mitch’s buttons, his unease growing with every interaction. As the night unfolds, their relationship unravels, forcing them to confront the reality that they may not be what the other truly needs—or wants.

What We Think: Y’all might not remember the iconic mumblecore era of the 2000s-2010s, but I do. While Lockjaw isn’t an exact replica of that notoriously low-budget, high-quirk genre, it certainly evokes the spirit that made mumblecore and indie comedy so successful. Think along the lines of grounded, gritty indies that aim to capture reality through flawed yet darkly funny characters stumbling their way through life—films like Pieces of April, The Puffy Chair, and The Color Wheel.

Here, Lockjaw delivers a fantastic, intimate tale of 20- and 30-somethings navigating one chaotic night, centered around Rayna’s childish antics and the trouble they inevitably cause. As she stirs conflict in an already unstable relationship, we’re led through a series of awkward interactions, bad decisions, and bursts of laughter—all punctuated by the presence of an arrogant yet jarringly wise magician (played with scene-stealing charisma by Corirossi). In another director’s hands, this premise might have felt too dry or meandering, but Greco balances it beautifully. The film explores a young woman’s immaturity through a mix of humor, tension, and genuine emotion, all captured with clean yet voyeuristic camerawork. The breathtakingly funny cast further elevates the film, making it an experience that feels both intimate and refreshingly real.

Never taking itself too seriously, Lockjaw is a comedy that grows on you, its humor becoming increasingly comforting through its relatably playful characters.

Our Grade: B+, A compelling comedy that will have you cringing, laughing, and reminiscing about your own wild nights out—the good and the bad. While the entire cast shines, Blu Hunt knocks it out of the park as Rayna, the likable yet chaotic hurricane at the center of it all, searching for peace or validation she just can’t seem to grasp. And to be redundant (because he deserves it), Corirossi is absolutely hilarious as the annoying magician—a character who sneaks up on you with unexpectedly sharp and well-timed humor.

The film’s charm lies in its pitch-perfect balance of relatable humor and heart. With its stylish execution, strong performances, and dry wit, Lockjaw is an easy recommendation for indie comedy lovers. Whether you’re watching solo or with friends, it’s a solid pick for a cozy night in. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who appreciate sharp, understated humor, this one is sure to hit the spot.

Big congrats to director Sabrina Greco on her first feature film!

Category: Film Festival Coverage, Reviews, Slamdance

Related Posts