Beginning with a disclaimer that the film isn’t trying to be the next Citizen Kane or the next Spielberg masterpiece, Hell Bunny instead champions all the best bits about low budget filmmaking.
When two crazy scientists crack the code to eternal life, they have no idea of the hell that is about to be unleashed. A mutant bunny, immortalised in evil, plaguing the streets of America. Or, more specifically, one party in a dudes basement.
A group of friends feel cheated by the time lost to COVID and the social distancing restrictions that were put in place. In order to make up for it, they decide to throw a big party. But there’s an uninvited guest in the midst.
Chaos ensues as one girl gets infected by the Bunny but the guys have had enough of its bullshit. A brilliantly hilarious chase ensues as they hunt down and fight the Hell Bunny, pelting it with ping pong balls and eventually trapping it in the microwave.
The vibe of the film is perfectly captured by this sequence in particular as it really highlights the fun of filmmaking. Hell Bunny feels like a film made by friends, and the enjoyment and enthusiasm for the process itself seeps from every scene. The simple but effective narrative is carried by some stand up performances that again reflect the collective passion of everyone involved in production. There are some whip-crack one liners: my favourite being, “Time for your booster, bitch.” The dialogue is fast paced and exciting, moving the narrative along at an engaging rate.
Writer and director Branden Bierbaum pulls the threads of the film together, commanding his ship with creativity and light-hearted fun. Hell Bunny knows what it is, and knows what it is not, and I think that’s where its success lies. Leaning into the cult-like vibe and not trying to be too serious makes all the difference. It’s refreshing and extremely enjoyable.
Another testament to what can be achieved with little budget but bags of fun, passion and creativity.