Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: BRAIN FREEZE [Fantasia Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]
The identity of zombie is usually not in the basis of its origin but in the carnage it creates and the incessant aftermath. The crux behind "Brain Freeze" is decidedly more humorous though it is played for almost satiric effect. Without giving away too much, it is about keeping grass green even when the Quebec island the film is set on is covered in snow. Hence chemistry spiraling out of control. The film pulls no punches but it also walks a thin line between comedy at points and some really dark imagery. Iani Bedard plays Andre, a young teenager who just wants his mother to leave him alone and his baby sister to stop crying. In a long running gag, he ends up being the breadwinner of sorts. When zombies start arriving, it is bedlam and the make-up effects work pretty well but it is about implementing certain rules that the zombies follow (which, at times, are a little arbitrary). There is a lot of fun and gags and pratfalls. Some seem to go over the line but the film keeps on chugging.
Roy Dupuis as Dan keeps the fires burning but he never quite becomes the would be weekend warrior. His responses are measured and he keeps it grounded on the auspice of saving his daughter. The most heightened aspect which throws a different genre bend into the story is a pair of assassin twins (who woud be great in their own movie). They are the protocol when things go wrong. Of course the backbone is based on big business wreaking havoc by trying to make an extra buck. There is a running commentary from a local shock jock which, while trying to give context to the proceedings, does not really add anything that couldn't have been added in a simple radio clip. The resolution of the film is understood and expected but , as always, keys into the effect that humans will always make mistakes, but hopefully will not annihilate themselves in the process. B-
By Tim Wassberg
