5 fans are invited to the ritual to end all rituals. So starts the hilarious intro to a rollercoaster ride that has all the wit, nostalgia and laughs of Tenacious D and Clerks 2. It reaches into how we all felt as teenagers. Surfing the internet, finding the things you love and devoting all your time to them. What happens when that obsession follows you into adulthood? You could go on a rambunctious ride that could be your last.
For its visual presence, Onyx the Fortuitious and the Talisman of Souls takes advantage of different perspectives and angles, making the spaces it lives in dynamic. Marcus, our main character, dons himself in red and black making himself the life of the world that is often bathed in beige and a light yellow, especially in his home. Andrew Bowser gives us a loveable Marcus whose voice had me laughing all the way through. He’s proud and passionate about his inner and outer world, possible his only excitement in his life. You fall in love with him and want the best for him, even if that is a demonic ritual.
Everything moves to a rhythm in the sound design, giving us a cool 80s vibe throughout every single minute. It’s well thought out and everything seems intentional to give us a perspective on Marcus’ inner universe and how he sees the world around him. We follow him to his job, a fast food restaurant and his relationship with his manager is enough to give you a belly-deep giggle. She’s just the right level of grumpiness to compliment Marcus’ cheery disposition.
His mind tips his hat to films like Beetlejuice and the darkly dreamy world of Lemony Snicket, with a nod to, I think, vibes like Dungeons and Dragons, choose your own adventure books and 80s games culture.
At its heart, Marcus is looking for another life. He’s stuck in the monotony trying to find his way and a sense of belonging. This is what draws us into him. What lays underneath his cheerful voice and his adorable interests, is a deep need to cover the sadness he feels. He seems to be a man who is trying to act in the way he wants the world to be. Accepting, fantastical and more exciting. You root for him so hard you forget that the world he’s living in can be cruel and takes advantage of people just like Marcus. His persona, Onyx the Fortuitous, is his suit of armour. A character he can slip into that makes him feel bigger than he is.
As the five lucky people turn up for the ritual, he finds a place finally with like-minded people. Or so it seems. I love the choice of making each of the five so different. From different backgrounds and lives, all searching for something bigger than themselves. Marcus finds kindness and the tone of the film becomes lively. Things become more colourful against the backdrop of the suspicious house. The sun is out and Marcus is in for the ride of his life.
Andrew Bowser displays his chops as a triple threat, writing, directing and starring as Marcus or Onyx. He has brilliant comedic timing but a truly deep grasp on when to play soft or serious, tapping into our sympathy. His mind tips his hat to films like Beetlejuice and the darkly dreamy world of Lemony Snicket, with a nod to, I think, vibes like Dungeons and Dragons, choose your own adventure books and 80s games culture. He’s managed to make a fun, engaging and hilarious film that explores what we hold on to, to move around in the world and to be ourselves.
With a brilliant cast and crew behind him, Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls takes us on a thrill-ride akin to The Gate and other classics that has you giggling and chuckling all the way to meet Bartock.
Oh, and there’s a happy ending… For now.
Onyx the Fortuitious and the Talisman of Souls played at Soho Horror Fest 2023 (English Debut)
