‘PussyCake’ Review – A Milk-Spewing Wild Ride You Are Not Likely To Forget

Directed By: Pablo Parés

Starring: Maca Suarez, Aldana Ruberto, Sofia Rossi, Anahi Politi, Flor Moreno

Plot Summary: A struggling all-girl rock band goes on tour and discover their worst problem is not just being forgotten by their fans.

If you had a hunger for a female punk rock band meets zombie outing, the boldly titled PussyCake has got you covered. Speaking of, you will also be covered in a white milky substance and lots of the red red kroovy. The cold open does a great job of efficient storytelling giving us the basic plot set-up, characters and place all within the first ten minutes. From there, the movie builds upon its goopy premise, always upping the stakes.

Argentinian director Pablo Parés is no stranger to horror films with over 30 short films and features to his credit. It’s clear that Parés is a big fan of the genre, and PussyCake (original title Emesis) plays like a love letter to films like The Evil Dead and Dawn of the Dead with a hazy, dreamy, neon dipped flare all of its own. Visually, the movie feels like it sways from music video at the start which then transforms into a more grounded and atmospheric outing as chaos breaks out. For a modest budget, the cinematography, lighting and shot composition gives the movie a polish that new filmmakers ought to take note of. It’s also worth mentioning that there is some excellent practical effect work that really impressed me. It does feature some CGI, but it seemed to be used sparingly without ever being too distracting. Really, it’s fantastic work.

The story is by no means groundbreaking, and in a big missed opportunity, it outright ignores the films own world-building and logic. It’s baffling because the film raises questions but never feels the need to address any of them in any form. It almost feels like a big chunk of the movie is missing, explaining all of this. I don’t know if I have ever seen a movie that literally doesn’t explain the big bad of the film, their motivations, or really anything going on in the film. The most we are given is some very vague stuff about a missing scientist who invented what is assumed (because they never say) to be a portal between dimensions. Everything else, you are very much on your own. Things just happen like a stream of consciousness. Like, I could list all the questions I had, as the movie feels like it is leaving it all on the viewer to figure out what the hell is going on.

Characters are given some personality, but the break neck pace never allows you the space to really get to know anyone in depth. We do get some emotional moments towards the end, but the audience is so numb from over action that it rings hollow. The impact is also lessened by never getting to know any of these characters. This movie feels more interested in leaning in hard on its Evil Dead pulpy roots, and though I wanted more, I still had fun.

For as underdeveloped as the story may be, Parés film is entertaining on a carnival ride level of thrills and spectacle. That may sound like a lazy excuse, but honestly, there is enough action that I felt engaged. As I mentioned above, the pacing is really next level with every scene ramping up the conflict, which again boils down to a girl group needing to survive zombie aliens? Again, it’s not very clear, but I guess who cares? I have never seen another Pablo Parés film, so I am very curious if he is always this style and action over substance.

PussyCake is a milk spewing wild ride and, one you won’t likely forget.

PussyCake is currently available to stream on ScreamBox. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vv6I4FrFGQ]