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Nothing can slow down Todd Sheets. His output over the last 4 years is nothing short of impressive, having helmed a handful of features, like Dreaming Purple Neon, Bonehill Road, and Clownado, but still finding time to participate in the Hi-8 series of anthology films (with standout entries, I might add!). What’s even more impressive about the output is the breadth of style and theme. Werewolves, killer clowns, a demoness with horned nipples… there’s really no limit to what you can come to expect from a new Todd Sheets movie. Well, now he is back with another film, a small cast thriller called Final Caller.
Final Caller tells the story of Roland Bennett (Douglas Epps), an obnoxious radio shock jock who seems to deal mostly with the paranormal think Art Bell mixed with Howard Stern. Roland finds himself entwined in a web of murder and mystery when he receives on-air calls that seem to document a murder. What unfolds is an extremely gory thriller with a small scale, a couple story twists, and a swing-for-the-fences approach to the acting and violence.
As fans of his work will certainly expect, Sheets’ new movie is exceedingly grotesque. The budget of the film was reportedly one of his lowest yet, but naturally Todd has spared no expense in the gross-out department. Dismemberment, disembowelment, and a particularly nasty impalement are on the menu, so if you’re in the mood for yuck, you’ll find it here.
The acting is very much in line with what we’ve come to expect from a Sheets films, wildly over-the-top. There’s a certain aesthetic to the casting and acting in these films (and other regional low-budget horror films) that you simply can’t get from the over-polished output of mainstream pictures. That said, those who aren’t as well-versed in SOV and indie horror (and those who simply dislike this tier of low budget filmmaking) may find it to be a hurdle in their enjoyment of the narrative, which is a nicely crafted thriller.
Final Caller is very enjoyable, particularly for fans of his other work. It has all the characteristics that we’ve come to expect, but the approach and story are different enough from his latest films to make it feel unique. It’s worth noting as well, that Todd Sheets’ work shows an increase in quality. It’s inspiring to see a filmmaker who’s been making backyard horror for nearly 40 years still picking up little tricks along the way and crafting increasingly interesting narratives. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest this film as a starting point for new viewers of his movies, but established fans of his brand of DIY scares should definitely catch Final Caller.
Coming soon from Extreme Entertainment.
RELATED: An Interview with The Master of Splatter, Todd Sheets
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