Slapface

Slapface is a 2022 American fantasy horror film directed by Jeremiah Zonenberg, based on the 2010 short film of the same name. The feature-length film delves into darker themes of grief, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships. Kael (played by September Volcano), a young boy struggling to cope with the recent loss of his mother, begins to explore the world around him. He is initially portrayed as an outsider, often getting into trouble at school due to his eccentric behavior and difficulty connecting with others. After stumbling upon an abandoned and decrepit apartment in the woods, Kael develops a fascination with the strange and dark environment. The apartment's eerie atmosphere becomes a sanctuary for Kael, where he discovers a series of cryptic sketches depicting a monstrous creature. As Kael delves deeper into the mysterious apartment, he meets the creature depicted in the sketches, known as a "Slapface." The Slapface is an eerie, grotesque being with long hair and a twisted, almost humanoid appearance. Initially, Kael is both repelled and fascinated by the monster, drawing parallels between the creature's isolation and his own state of being. Despite the danger posed by the Slapface, Kael forms a connection with the creature, who shares its own experiences of isolation and loneliness. Through their interactions, Kael discovers that the Slapface's presence is rooted in an ancient tragedy connected to the apartment. According to the creature's fragmented narrative, it has been imprisoned in the apartment, forced to survive in isolation due to a traumatic event involving a child's tragic death and its subsequent burial in the grounds. As their bond grows stronger, Kael begins to see the Slapface as a reflection of his own grief and guilt over his mother's passing. In an attempt to process his emotions, Kael turns to the Slapface, which gradually shares its own experiences of trauma and heartbreak. This unorthodox therapeutic relationship between Kael and the Slapface raises questions about the boundaries between victimhood and accountability. The dynamic between Kael and the Slapface blurs the lines between human connection and monstrous interaction. Through their encounters, Zonenberg raises questions about the concept of empathy, the nature of trauma, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. Kael's relationship with the Slapface forces him to confront the complexity of human emotions and relationships, encouraging a deeper exploration of his own emotional state in response to his mother's loss. However, tensions between Kael and the Slapface escalate as the film's narrative becomes increasingly ominous. The community surrounding the apartment apartment begins to uncover Kael's connection to the monstrous creature, fearing it poses a threat to their safety. The authorities, in an attempt to neutralize the Slapface, arrive at the apartment with a disturbingly inhumane plan to destroy the creature. As a result, Kael is forced to make a choice between preserving his relationship with the Slapface and acknowledging the danger it poses to the community. Ultimately, Slapface serves as a poignant exploration of trauma, grief, and the complexities of human relationships. Through the unconventional bond between Kael and the Slapface, Zonenberg raises fundamental questions about empathy, accountability, and the fragility of the human spirit. While navigating dark themes, the film delves into the human condition with an unflinching yet empathetic approach, presenting a haunting and unforgettable cinematic experience.