[Fantasia ’25] Anything That Moves’: Wild, sexy, and gory

Anything That Moves is a Fantasia World Premiere from writer-director Alex Phillips, the mind behind the chaotic All Jacked Up and Full of Worms. His latest project is a psychosexual dark comedy about a bike courier sex worker named Liam who is living his best life until a serial killer starts going after his clients. Is Liam next or is something much darker going on?

Shot in Super 16mm, the film is a stylish watch that mirrors and creates atmosphere. Before the mystery kicks in, Anything that Moves accentuates the bright colors in Liam’s world. It is as if he is living in a fantasy world where everything is right in the world. When the first murder happens, things become literally darker. Lurid reds and deep blues intentionally make it difficult to discern what exactly is going on. This change throws audiences into Liam’s new and more dangerous life.

Things get really wild really quickly. The action is fast, sexy, and gory and there is a sense that Liam is in way over his head. Between overzealous cops and overheated clients, it is a lot to take in for anyone – including the audience. Weirdly, though side characters are given strong personalities, Liam’s partner Thea is largely ignored. She plays an important part, she is just surprisingly subdued compared to everyone else.

Anything That Moves is unafraid to go all in. The first scene involves cunnilingus with the sexuality escalating from there. There are a number of sex scenes, lots of nudity, and adult film stars. As important as sex is, it never feels exploitative or gratuitous. It would not be entirely correct to call this an homage and it is definitely not a spoof, but there is a charm and silliness that is reminiscent of older pornography.

It definitely is not something that everyone will enjoy. Phillips’s style can best be described as mindfuck. Things get weird and there are moments that are straight up off-putting. But those who are daring enough to take the ride will find themselves laughing and engaged by Anything That Moves.