Bliss: Joe Begos’ supernatural look of the artistic underbelly of Los Angeles is a visual and audible treat for all horror fans.

The film was shot on sumptuous 16mm, giving it a retro 90s vibe, enhancing the tremendous practical and artistic effects.

The film focuses on established artist Dezzy and she struggles to complete a piece of work for an upcoming exhibition. As she is dropped by her agency, Dezzy begins to spin out of control with sex & drugs &…blood lust? As she takes a new drug called Bliss, a dark powder substance, she starts to act bizarrely… and horrifically.

Dora Madison gives an outstanding performance as Dezzy and pushes the boundaries in every scene. She carries an acting maturity and a deep knowledge of the world that she’s in. Dezzy is a cross between Bukowski and Emmin with a bit of Melissa Auf Der Maur thrown in. The supporting cast tackle their roles with aplomb, and help to develop the realism amongst the horror of Bego’s world.

The final act of this film, for me, is one of the best horror finales of the last decade, and Begos does a fantastic job building the world and characters in preparation.

This film will not be to everyone’s taste – there were even a few walkouts during Fright Fest itself. However, if you are a fan of dive bars, expressionist art and vampiric action, then this is a film not to be missed!

During Begos’ Q&A at Fright Fest, he talks about how they had to wait for the 16mm edit of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood to be done before they could start theirs…

I know which representation of LA I prefer. Thanks team Bliss!

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