John Swab’s Candy Land (2022) is an interesting beast. It has so much going for it, but at the same time, it’s missing something. It takes a turn halfway through and just never quite gets to where it needs to be.
Swab continues to collaborate with many of the same people, and it shows just how well they work as a team. I read about this film when it was announced and found the premise intriguing. Candy Land is finally making its Blu-ray debut in a limited edition, and whether or not I had issues with it overall, it’s still very deserving of being seen.
Remy (Olivia Luccardi) is a young woman who has given her life to the Lord in a “far too extreme” manner. She’s cast out of her cult and finds herself seeking shelter at a truck stop occupied by sex workers, known as “lot lizards.” Sadie (Sam Quartin), Levi (Owen Campbell), Liv (Virginia Rand), and Riley (Eden Brolin) have taken her in and are caring for her along with Nora (Guinevere Turner), who watches over them. She convinces Remy to get out there and work the lot, shedding her timid personality to satisfy men looking for some company. But a dark cloud is hanging over the lot, and even Sheriff Rex (Daniel Baldwin) can keep them safe from what’s to come.
At its peak, Candy Land delivers a realistic look into the lives of sex workers who rely on one another to survive. However, it’s an engrossing portrait that veers off into territory far too generic and leaves you feeling let down. The cast is phenomenal, turning in performances that draw you into their character’s lives in a way I wasn’t expecting.
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I couldn’t peel my eyes off the screen for the first forty-five to fifty minutes. Without giving too much away, the second half ends up being nothing more than traditional horror fare. Usually, it wouldn’t be an issue, but there was something unique about the first half of the movie and the characters within.
The Blu-ray contains a filmmaker’s commentary as well as a digital zine. The commentary provides little insight into the process and why some decisions were made. It’s an interesting listen and a feature well worth exploring.
Candy Land has a lot going for it and is worth checking out. I had a different expectation going in than I should have had and was let down by the final act. It features solid acting, relatable characters, and a story that’s easy to get invested in. It may divide audiences, but it will get people talking, and that’s all they could ask for.
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Nice film
Nice film good and i love it is so amazing