Billed as a horror comedy, Russ Emanuel's Staycation has proven to be a film festival beast thus far with over 130 awards along its indie fest journey. Filmed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Staycation is more satirical than outright funny in serving up biting social satire centered around the very human responses to a pandemic such as the one many of us lived through just a few years ago. 

The film stars the likes of Olivia d'Abo, Sean Kenney, Catherine LaSalle, Lilly Ivring, Kelli Maroney, Tracee Cocco, Laurene Landon, and Eileen Dietz among others. Kenney is a worthy central focus here as Edward Bellows, a virologist racing against time to find a cure for the dreadful Nix Virus. Along the way, we meet folks like Britt (Catherine LaSalle)  and Marnie (Lilly Ivring) as well as separated couple Matt (Gilles Stricher) and Cathy (Bailey Sorrel). There are surprise characters, as well, including some mighty familiar names from the indie horror scene. 

Staycation had its world premiere at the 21st Annual Big Apple Film Festival. Some of the top prizes so far include Best Comedy at Shockfest and Best Ensemble Cast at Santa Fe Film Festival. The film seems ideally suited for the indie fest scene with its unique vibes and clever, difficult to predict spirit. 

Director Russ Emanuel rises above the crowd here with a variety of unique choices best left undescribed so you can eventually experience the film for yourself. He plays into the horror vibe quite nicely and manages to create a great tapestry of horror and satirical comedy. Best of all, the entire ensemble seems to get Emanuel's aim for the film and the end result is an absolutely terrific ensemble from hardcore vets to indie film newbies. Kenney is an absolute treasure here along with LaSalle, Ivring, Sorrel, and quite a few others. 

The lensing by Emile Haris, who also penned the film, is inspired and perfectly complements the film's narrative landscape. The original score by Vasilis Milesis also nicely complements Emanuel's work here even in those fleeting moments when a set-up doesn't quite land.

Trust me. That's rare.

If you get a chance, check out Staycation.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic