A teenage girl finds a place to belong in a salon where she finds herself and some independence while her family disapproves and her period becomes its own issue.
Written and directed by Brooke H. Cellars, this horror comedy owes a ton to the works of John Waters and to 60s horror and teen films. The mood here is on point with good writing, solid direction, and a fantastic sense of style. Cellars’ creativity here is fully used to create a world that is hers but also filled with nostalgia for other films and eras, one that shows an understanding of filmmaking and of what the film is inspired by. She works the script and the direction as a combo that is inseparable and makes them become one in just the right way. Her work here is lovely, a bit disturbing, and just right.
The cast here is fascinating in all the best of ways. They sell their characters and the film, make the most of their scenes, and steal a few here and there from each other. Lauren Kitchen as Apple Applewhite is just the right mix of charming, innocent, and determined. She brings that charm that the part needs while making the viewer want to protect here. The character, as written, clearly has a lot of this, but Kitchen’s performance really brings it all forth and makes for a great character that the audience can connect with. Shining bright next to Kitchen is Martini Bear as Laverne Lancaster is the star of every scene Laverne is in. The performance here feels almost as if this is Bear’s actual personality and that this is life and not a part. The work from the rest of the cast is fun and entertaining, touching in moments, frustrating in others when needed. The cast as a whole is a solid ensemble.
Here, the film is not simply well-written, well-directed, and well-acted, it has some stunning décor and set dressing as well as perfect wardrobe and hair. All of it comes together so well, it’s difficult to pinpoint which is the best, so equal kudos to all involved in the artistic, set and costuming and all the rest, side of things. This is some amazing work, and it makes the film unendingly rewatchable. The work is stunning and the cinematography by Levi Porter takes full advantage of it all and makes sure to bring it all to the screen in just the right way. The images fit the style of the film and the way it all comes together through them is lovely.
The Cramps: A Period Piece is a must-see independent film that has something to say about periods, freedom, rights to one’s self, and so much more. There are a ton of themes in here and Cellars makes sure that they all work within the confines of the universe she creates. This is one of those indie films that makes the viewer want to see so much more from its filmmaker and makes them want to see something with a much larger budget to see what they could do given more resources.