‘The Weird Kidz’ Brings Eight Years of Handcrafted Animation and ’80s Horror-Comedy to VOD
After eight years of work by filmmaker Zach Passero, The Weird Kidz is heading to video on demand nationwide tomorrow, October 27, bringing a handcrafted animated adventure that combines creature-feature horror, outrageous comedy and the spirit of ’80s coming-of-age cinema.
Written, directed and animated entirely by Passero, the feature marks a major independent filmmaking undertaking. Passero spent the past eight years bringing the project to life, with his wife, Hannah, contributing the film’s painted backgrounds. The result is an animated feature built around a love of vintage science fiction, late-night genre movies and the irreverent comedies that defined an era.
The Weird Kidz follows three preteen boys, an older brother and his girlfriend as they head out for a weekend camping trip in a remote desert. Their getaway takes a turn when they encounter a legendary nocturnal creature and the strange residents of a nearby town. What begins as a coming-of-age adventure quickly becomes a collision of supernatural threats, bizarre encounters and increasingly violent chaos.
The film combines its childhood-adventure premise with horror elements, including amputations and midnight cult rituals, while maintaining a comedic sensibility. Its desert setting and mysterious creature provide the foundation for a story that draws on the traditions of creature features and offbeat genre cinema.
The project’s production is also a central part of its identity. Passero handled the writing, directing and animation himself, while Hannah Passero painted the backgrounds, giving the film a distinctly personal approach to its visual world. Completing an animated feature over eight years represents a substantial commitment for an independent production, particularly one built around a single filmmaker’s creative vision.
The cast includes Angela Bettis as Duana, Sean Bridgers as Sheriff, Ellar Coltrane as Wyatt, Tess Passero as Dug, Glenn Bolton as Mel, Brian Ceely as Fatt and Sydney Wharton as Mary.
With its combination of animated mayhem, desert folklore and throwback comedy, The Weird Kidz aims to bring a different kind of independent genre feature to audiences looking for something outside conventional live-action horror. The film arrives on VOD nationwide October 27.
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