[CFF ’23] ‘The Weird Kidz’ review: Coming of age horror with deeper story

The Weird Kidz will be a crowd pleaser for fans of 80s movies. Dug, Mel, and Fatt are three friends who are excited by video games, girls, and their upcoming camping trip with Dug’s brother Wyatt. Even better, Wyatt’s girlfriend Mary is joining them. But an encounter with a local creature known as the Night Child changes all their pre-teen hopes and dreams.

The film evokes nostalgia on a number of levels. Tropes from coming of age stories and horror movies are effectively used to draw viewers in. The plot has a comforting familiarity and is filled with fun characters. As things continue to escalate, a surprising amount of emotion is introduced. The animation highlights expressive eyes that show curiosity, fear, and excitement. The effects of the wild trip come together in the final moments with a telling series of shots.

This may be the best part of The Weird Kidz. There is a sense of attachment that is found in the best coming of age tales. Audiences will know someone like one of the kids. Maybe they were one of them growing up. The love-hate relationship with an older sibling, the constant fart jokes, even the crush on the cool high school girl are things almost everyone can relate to.

Inside the story about growing up and monsters that appear at night is a touching narrative about togetherness. It is seen in different relationships and comes up in various ways throughout The Weird Kidz. It is and additional layer that will catch viewers off guard and increase their enjoyment.

The Chattanooga Film Festival takes place June 23 – 29