Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls is a horror comedy film that originated from a viral social media character created by Andrew Bowser, who also stars, writes, directs, and edits the film. The film follows the misadventures of Onyx, a nerdy and awkward occultist who lives with his mom and works at a burger joint. Onyx gets the chance of a lifetime when he wins a contest to attend a ritual at the mansion of his idol, Bartok the Great, a famous and mysterious occultist played by Jeffrey Combs. However, Onyx soon realizes that he and the other four winners are in for more than they bargained for, as Bartok plans to use them as sacrifices to summon an ancient demon. Onyx must use his wits and courage to survive the night and become the hero he always dreamed of.
The film is a homage to the 80s horror and horror-comedy genres, with references to films like Gremlins, Fright Night, and The Breakfast Club. The film also features a cast of horror icons, such as Barbara Crampton, Olivia Taylor Dudley, and Arden Myrin. The film balances the humor and horror elements, with Onyx’s quirky personality and speech contrasting with the more serious and sinister characters and situations. The film also showcases the practical effects and makeup of the creatures and demons that Onyx encounters. The film was partially funded by a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $600,000 from 7,493 backers. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023 and was acquired by Cinedigm for a theatrical release in the fall of the same year. The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised Bowser’s performance, the script, the direction, and the tone of the film.
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Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls
