Badass Bunyip (2021)

I have reviewed many films in the past few years and have always tried to remind myself to remove any personal taste I may have of the material in front of me and review films fairly, while trying to stay on the positive side. I tried to cover script, story idea, technical aspects and even spirit a film can convey, while at the same time taking into consideration the fact that I review many films made by independent, as well as amateur filmmakers, where some have less refined experience with regard to certain aspects and I try to be as forgiving as I can. David Black‘s feature film debut, Badass Bunyip, is an interesting film, yet difficult to quantify and at times left me in a bit of a tough spot when deciding as to my opinion of it. There are lots of positives here, as well as much that shows inexperience and furthermore, highlights the considerable difference between making short films and making a feature-length project. Black has made countless short films to date. His shorts vary in quality, but show a certain understanding of structure and pace that are less evident in this, his debut feature.

Badass Bunyip is a wacky horror-comedy. A schlocky mess in the style of Troma and exploitation cinema, where production value is less important and entertainment reigns supreme. David does not hide the fact that this is not meant to be the height of quality cinema, but a fun film that is meant to make people laugh and just be enjoyed for what it is. In that he mostly succeeds.

The premise of Badass Bunyip really hit home with me. The introduction of Aboriginal culture stories and legends, weaved into a silly comedic story, with horror elements and the legend of the bunyip, a creature that is an unstoppable killing machine, was pure gold. The humour will not appeal to everyone, but those who do like offensive and puerile humour, plenty of gross out moments and a sense of schlocky gore on a budget, will likely enjoy this film.

When it comes to technical aspects, due to the nature of this film being of the schlock-fest genre gore feast, a lot of the acting and production quality issues, etc. (which could have been better) can be forgiven. Badass Bunyip was clearly tough to make. It took approximately three years to complete due to many different reasons. Black (the star, writer and producer) and (director) Gerardo Chierchia, should be commended for sticking with the project, where others may have given up. As only other filmmakers would know first hand, completing a feature film is an incredible feat all on its own.

The script, in my opinion, could have benefitted from some professional guidance and perhaps a couple more drafts. It could have substantially improved the film. For example, the amount of carnage included here may or may not have been necessary, but introducing more of the victimised characters to viewers earlier, and giving us a little time to get to know them and to actually care about their demise, would have improved this script by several levels.

What I found to be less forgivable and the biggest issue with the film is its length. The film, at almost 108 minutes, is about a half hour too long. A harsh edit, removing at least 30 minutes of filler, would do the film wonders. The whole time, while viewing, I kept thinking of moments that were entirely unnecessary and some scenes that overshot their mark and were thus left uneffective and tiring, where a snappy pace would have possibly helped them hit home. I truly hope that a “Producer’s Cut” is planned for sometime in the near future, as I believe it would do the film justice.

Black and co-star Anastasia C. Kouloukas do their best with the material that is, at times, batshit crazy and at others, ballsy (pun intended). Again, any acting faux pas are thrown by the wayside due to the nature and style at play here. This film is quite nuts (there I go again). My sense of humour and funny bone appreciate a wacky comedy tickle that is more intelligent, where the funny lies within the subtext, so I am less partial to gross out humour. Therefore, some jokes worked for me here and some didn’t. David sporting a Warwick Capper (ex-Aussie Footballer)-like mulleted wig, though, was enough to amuse at times. Overall I got a good laugh in certain spots and due to some very funny lines, I believe this film could end up with a small cult following running off some classic lines from the film to their hearts’ content.

Black, Chierchia, Kouloukas and Co. are well aware that Badass Bunyip isn’t for everyone and keep their aim at those who would potentially enjoy such a slapstick, over-the-top affair. Again, I give them huge props for bringing aboriginal themes to the project and even though they are poking fun here, it is all done with a certain amount of respect. I also believe that due to the hard work, determination, endurance and courage it took to get this film completed and then released for free viewing for people to enjoy, the team here deserves our appreciation and respect.

Go watch the film. Try not to take it too seriously as it was not intended to be. This film is unrefined and made for movie viewers who aren’t exactly cinephiles. So, if this type of film is not your style, just give it a miss. No need to force yourselves to view just so that you can complain that it isn’t to your liking. Stay positive and you might get something out of it. I did.

Taking all of the above into consideration, my score for Badass Bunyip is 6.5 testicles… I mean stars… Damn it! … 6.5 out of 10.