Alex, a soap opera actor, begins to lose his grip on reality as his life begins to merge with the very show he stars in.
Feeling like an undiscovered relic that captured the visual essence of the1970’s, Studio Q offers something unique for those looking to explore an often overlooked backlog of international films. The premise of a soap opera star spiraling as his world begins to appear more and more like the hot, moody, and dramatic television series that made him an icon is something fit for Tales from the Crypt, Creepshow, or even Black Mirror. The run time is a modest hour and twenty three minutes, which keeps Studio Q from dragging on or overstaying its welcome. You’ll find yourself wondering what’s real and what’s just another day on set for Alex from the very second the movie begins. After seeing the film, I’m still unsure of what actually took place, what was some sort of psychotic episode, or what was nothing more than the show being portrayed through an overactive imagination. Is his lover real? Are the show’s tropes actual hazards for Alex? Are his actions authentic or just part of a melodramatic story designed to entice viewers? Not unlike American Psycho, Studio Q leaves the viewer asking such questions long after seeing the movie.
Misterio (Studio Q) benefits from its 4K Restoration which elevates it from a diamond in the rough to a seemingly stylized approach to storytelling. The 1970’s aesthetic puts off elements of Suspiria while masking the film’s age thanks to its timeless tale. The premise could be applied to a modern day setting, and the story could remain the same, but this time capsule appearance adds to the film’s appeal. This 4K restoration left the original film grain intact, resulting in a crystal clear image that feels exactly as it did when it premiered back in 1980. The directorial work of Marcela Fernandez Violante beautifully steers the narrative in and out of surreal changes that feel organic.
Imagine an episode of Days of Our Lives, only the camera continues to follow the lead actor after they’ve left the set. Their daily life continues until they suddenly feel the need to ask if the scene feels right. Pan back… We’re back on a stage with a full film crew. Such changes run the risk of being too jarring if done wrong, which would leave the audience more confused than awe-inspired. Thankfully, Studio Q weaves in and out of the madness seamlessly. If it weren’t for the curated library of films being showcased at the Fantasia Film Festival, I fear as though Studio Q would have always been alien to me. Now, after a welcome introduction, it sits among some of my favorite foreign film offerings. Sadly, finding a physical copy of the sleeper hit is proving to be a chore, and online uploads of the film get buried under other content due to both Misterio and Studio Q relating toother, far more relevant, properties. For now, all we can do is wait for the 4K release.
Fantasia 2026 runs from July 16th to August 2nd, 2026