‘Peppergrass’ VOD Review
Stars: Chantelle Han, Charles Boyland, Michael Copeman | Written by Steven Garbas, Philip Irwin | Directed by Chantelle Han, Steven Garbas
Following her grandfather’s death, Eula (Chantelle Han) has tried reopening his old restaurant before the pandemic threw those plans for a loop, leaving her struggling for rent amidst discovering her pregnancy. With the acquisition of her grandfather’s war medals, Eula forms a plan with her friend Morris (Charles Boyland) to solve those financial woes. Under the guise of gifting the medals to her grandfather’s friend, Captain Reuben (Michael Copeman), the pair visit the reclusive veteran’s home intending to steal a priceless truffle in his possession.
After receiving directions from a fishmonger who acts as a harbinger of doom, the pair find their vehicle stuck in the pitch-black woods until morning. After hearing strange noises outside, they encounter Reuben and his massive truffle-hunting pig. The veteran guides them into his expansive property, conveying an eerie sense as the characters venture into the unknown. As the pair’s plan falls apart, severe injuries lead Eula to try returning to the car to find help. Thus begins the lead character’s long journey, as she is put through the wringer trying to persevere despite a directional uncertainty.
Based off a script he co-wrote with Philip Irwin, Steven Garbas shares directorial duties with Han for this tale brimming with promise. The co-director and lead performer puts a naturalistic performance in-front of the camera, conveying Eula’s mounting desperation due to the pandemic. One wishes that was reflected in the seemingly peril-free scenario, as the aimless journey through the wilderness feels largely divorced from the lurking danger resulting from the plan.
Peppergrass may have the makings of a tense survival horror, yet the oddly lacking sense of urgency makes the second act drag on and ultimately hurts what could have been an effective tale.
**½ 2.5/5
Peppergrass will be available on digital platforms beginning June 16th 2023, from Terror Films.
