Onyx The Fortuitos and the Talisman of Souls (2024) - Movie Review

What if I told you there was an independent film that not only channeled the energy of the Yuzna-Verse, but expanded on it?

We’re in a new golden age ladies, gents, and everything in between.

Let's discuss.

Those uninitiated, The Yuzna-Verse is the cinematic film universe created by producer Brian Yuzna with the heavy contributions of writer / director Stuart Gordon and actors Barbara Crampton and Jeffrey Combs. The films of which you'd recognize being movies like Reanimator, From Beyond, And Society. For horror fans that grew up in the early 90s, These were touchstone films. In many ways, Yuzna is as responsible for Lovecraft's prevalence in modern society as Lovecraft was himself. Many people believe that the Reanimator film is close to the book. However, it has absolutely nothing to do with the book other than the basic concept and character names. The golden age of the Yuzna-Verse was definitely the mid to late 90s. When the budgets went up with the rise of VHS. However. There was a steep decline when digital effects became the norm in the 2000s. As studios were putting less and less money into practical effects based films.  That's not to say there haven't been some additions over the years, movies like 2001’s Dagon and 2016’s The Void come to mind, but overall, the style of filmmaking was dead.

Until recently. With streaming, independent film makers having more methods than ever to get their films to the masses. The rise of TUBI and Freevee and the prevalence of Kickstarter and Indie Go-Go have allowed filmmakers to fund films that in Years past would have been impossible.

 Such is the case with today's film, Fortuitous and The Talisman of Souls.

This is a Kickstarter film. I don't say that with any negative connotation. I know many people have had bad experiences with Kickstarter. Personally, I'd love to be able to use it, but I don't think I have that many fans to help me fund my projects. So I'm always happy when a real artist uses the platform and creates something special.

 Enter writer, director, and star Andrew Bowser.

I had never heard of Bowser before this film, but I will be checking out any project he works on from here on out. You most likely have not heard of him unless You follow the short film scene or may have seen his credit on a Marvel cartoon show. However, I really think he's one to watch.

 Onyx the fortuitous and the talisman of souls focuses on the aforementioned, Onyx, aka Marcus J. Trillburry, as he embarks on an epic quest. Having been abandoned by his father and neglected by his mother, Onyx happened upon a satanic album by Bartok, the world's foremost demonologist and magician. Following Bartok's teachings, Onyx hoped to better his life and position in society with the help of the devil. However nothing ever seems to go right for onyx and he's still working at the Meat Hut, suffering through life living with his mother. Until he wins the grand prize in Bartok's annual contest and is brought out to the mansion to be taught by Bartok himself. Not only that, but he’s also also introduced to a group of like-minded friends to experience the magic with. Which all sounds great until people start getting stabbed with sacrificial daggers, ghouls start running amok, and the king of hell pops in for ‘a how-do-you do?’. Will Marcus be able to weaponize his autism and dethrone the kings of hell, or will he just be meat for the beast? Find out into tonight’ feature, Onyx, the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls.

I can't recommend this movie enough.

The script sharp, insightful and heartfelt and the acting is out of this world. The ensemble assembled here is dynamite. You've got film legends like Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton rubbing elbows with Modern character actor gold like Arden Myrin and voice acting legend TC Carson.

Special shout out to one of the most beautiful women on the planet, Olivia Taylor Dudley. Who, if you didn't know, was the star of the series The Magicians. It was a great show for two seasons, but really dragged out its ending. The only reason I watched is because I was such a fan of Dudley. I absolutely cannot take my eyes off of Dudley when she's on the screen. As not only is she breathtakingly beautiful, = she has the chops to match.

But the onus of the film rests on the director, writer and star Andrew Bowser, whose performance of Onyx the Fortuitous is impeccable. I'm assuming this is a character he's done many times before, but it's quality. It helps that he has the unbelievably talented Rivkah Reyes to play off of as a love interest. The character is anxiety. You're supposed to be embarrassed for him, but not root against him. Many film makers miss that small detail. See anything with Ezra Miller as The Flash for an example.

I know for non-cinephiles the acting may not be as important. Horror movies, the most important thing is going to be the effects, and I can say here 99% of the effects look way more expensive than this film was to produce. I wouldn't be surprised if AI was used, especially on the giant demon piece as it looked stellar. And this is speaking from experience as a sculptor and special effects artist who worked on theatrical productions for a dozen years.

This film could have competed in theaters with larger films, and you can't say that about a lot of indie horror comedies.

I honestly can't find a flaw with the film and I've watched it three times since my first viewing. I could lie and say it was for the review…

…But I won’t do that.

If you’re looking for a fun Friday night watch with friends Or something that you can watch for Halloween that’s not too scary but still entertaining, This is up your alley.

If you’re a fan of movies like Reanimator, From Beyond, Tucker and Dale Versus Evil this one’s for you.

Please just this one out. It's so good I ordered a Blu-ray copy immediately after my first viewing.

Please support this film by watching it streaming currently on Shudder, or purchase here: Onyx Blu-ray

I Really Want a Sequel

PS. My bicep tendon tore, so I’m going to be having to use voice to type for a looooong time. I apologize for typos and reduced output. I’m in so much pain as I wait for the next surgeries, I can’t do much.