Max (Nicholas Baroudi) is a reporter looking for a story at the beginning of CRYPTID. Plopping down in front of his laptop to churn out yet another local interest piece in his small Maine town, the struggling reporter is at a loss. That is until a story finds him. Written and directed by Brad Rego CRYPTID is a mystery in creature feature drag. The film follows Max as he and his stalwart reporter colleague/love interest Harriet (Ellen Adair) chase a series of grisly incidents in hopes of a story. While the film is consistently entertaining, the fat script could have been trimmed a bit to create a leaner, meaner monster. Regardless this is a fun ride.
Ever the reporter, Max first notices a police barricade on a stretch of road. Chatting up Sheriff Charlie Murdoch (Chopper Bernet), he learns that a fatal attack occurred, possibly involving an animal. Smelling blood, pardon the expression, Max reaches out to photographer friend Harriet to assist him in digging up a story. Their investigation leads to further questions. Meanwhile, another deadly attack occurs. As the Mayor of the small town attempts to squash any publicity, Max and Harriet begin to piece together a sinister pattern of bloody mayhem.
Will Max and Harriet uncover the truth behind the seemingly random attacks? What is the Mayor trying to hide? Can Max ever fully move on from the death of his wife? Drama and red herrings abound within the framework of an engaging story resulting in a fun monster movie.
Production-wise this film looks like a million bucks. With a glorious 21:9 aspect ratio Cinematographer Kevin Provost leans into a classic movie feel while dipping into Dean Cundy territory. The unabashedly practical creature effects from Ralph Lambiase and the team of Samantha Mileski, William Gallacher, and Nick Lehane work to the degree needed. It would also be fair to give props to leading man Baroudi as Max and Adair‘s Harriet. The plucky pair are just as interesting as the mystery that they are investigating, but it feels like it’s in another movie.
The real star here is Rego and his unabashed love of the creature-feature sub-genre. This New England native pushes the creepy factor up to Maine (Creepy Capitol) with a story of a possible cryptid terrorizing a small town. Yet he remembers that character development and story beats are what sell the money shots of gore and gnashing fangs. The story is there and, possibly a franchise but Rego could use a very smart, trusted editor either at the writing stage or in the editing room.
Despite a few faults, CRYPTID was a well-crafted movie that served horror, drama, and creature all on the same plate. It could have been tightened up a bit but folks, keep your eye on Rego. He understands Story, he knows how to pick a take, and he doesn’t waste the audience’s time.
