Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls

"Onyx The Fortuitous And The Talisman Of Souls"

written & directed by Andrew Bowser starring Andrew Bowser & Jeffrey Combs

Beginning as a series of YouTube comedy shorts, the character of Onyx has developed a unique mythology as well as a devoted fanbase. In order to secure financing for his independent film, writer/director/star Bowser turned to crowdfunding website Kickstarter where he was able to raise $610,467. When compared to big Hollywood blockbusters, that amount is small potatoes, but with that small budget, he was able to create a film that looks and feels like it cost 10× that amount. The makeup, costumes and creature effects are all great. They pale in comparison to their big budget brethren, but this film was designed to look as if it was made in the heyday of 1980s creature films (i.e. "Gremlins" or "Fright Night") and at that they succeeded beautifully.

As of this writing (10/19/2023), the movie has played at many film festivals, including the prestigious SUNDANCE, but for now is playing in theaters one night only as part of a FATHOM EVENTS screening. The audience I saw this with all seemed to enjoy themselves. They laughed at all the right moments and seemed moved by the sadder ones. Overall, I would say it was a success with that crowd. I hope the film finds its audience as it is something I think many people will enjoy.