-Written by Kyle Bain.
2025 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
What did I just watch? Honestly, that’s a sufficient review for the short film Chickenboy–as I truly believe that this will be everyone’s response after watching this twisted fuckery, a film that explores what happens when a farmer accidentally creates a chicken-human hybrid. That’s really a simplistic explanation, however–and the twisted narrative comes to life in ways that you can’t possibly imagine.
Chickenboy is a science fiction film (sort of), but it doesn’t lean heavily into the science aspect of the genre, using a raunchy, wildly disgusting approach when developing this film and driving the narrative forward. With that said, I don’t hate this film–but I’m not entirely sure that it’s one that needed to have been made. Do I need to know what happens when a chicken becomes impregnated by a human? Certainly not–though I do believe that there are some social aspects that are effectively explored throughout the course of this eight-minute short film. Chickenboy forces us to question societal norms, attempting to understand what we consider normal and why.
It’s the hidden meaning that ultimately allows Chickenboy to find success–but there are other aspects of the film that are enticing as well, particularly the setting. Within this left-of-center narrative exists an interestingly eccentric individual living on a drab, simplistic farm. The farm envelopes every aspect of Chickenboy, keeping a film that could have easily gotten away from the world grounded, relevant, and accessible. Writer-Director Matthew Rush juxtaposes his wild and chaotic film with simple aesthetics and calming tones—achieving a balance that I believe would have otherwise been difficult to find.
Chickenboy is a visceral experience, certainly causing viewers to cringe on multiple occasions throughout. I can’t imagine anyone having a unique experience while watching Chickenboy, meaning that I anticipate that everyone will receive the film in exactly the same way, with only slight variations. I believe that through the insanity, the chaos, and the disturbing visuals that Chickenboy will be well received, and that the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival will likely find attendees thrilled with their experience here. It’s initially difficult to grasp the deeper meaning, but the symbolism is there for the taking, available to anyone willing to look past those aforementioned alarming visuals.
Written & Directed by Matthew Rush.
Starring Matthew Rush, Matthew Rush, & Matthew Rush.
7/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
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