Musclecar (2017)
Directed by Dwayne Labbe · 2017 · Jacinta Stapleton, Mathew Blackwood-Hume, Tai Scrivener, Steve Taylor, Elizabeth Hagan
In 2017, director Dwayne Labbe delivers Musclecar, a darkly comic horror-thriller that leans into low-budget surrealism and grotesque fetishism. The story centers on Bambi, a young woman whose obsession with her dream car spirals into madness when she can't afford to maintain it. Drawing from ancient voodoo rituals, she performs a bizarre ritual involving the blood of dead drunkards and an ox heart to bring the vehicle to life — a descent into obsessive love that blurs the line between machine and companion. The film’s tone is intentionally campy yet unsettling, blending B-movie aesthetics with genuine unease. Its style evokes 1980s cult horror comedies like Evil Dead II and The Monster Squad, but with a distinctly modern, gritty edge. The performances by Jacinta Stapleton, Mathew Blackwood-Hume, and Tai Scrivener are grounded enough to sell the absurdity without tipping into parody. The 77-minute runtime keeps the momentum tight, avoiding bloated exposition. This film suits viewers who appreciate offbeat, genre-bending tales where the line between love and obsession is dangerously thin — fans of Troma, early John Waters, or indie horror with a sense of humor will find something uniquely disturbing here.
Why it’s worth watching
Musclecar (2017) is a rare gem of low-budget cult cinema that embraces its absurd premise with unflinching commitment. Directed by Dwayne Labbe and starring Jacinta Stapleton, it turns car worship into a ritualistic nightmare with genuine creative audacity. Its blend of horror, comedy, and thriller elements creates a tone that’s equal parts hilarious and horrifying — a perfect fit for fans of niche genre films. With a runtime under 80 minutes, it’s a tight, no-fluff experience that never outstays its welcome. The use of real voodoo-inspired rituals, grounded in the film’s own internal logic, adds a layer of eerie authenticity rarely seen in similar fare. Watch Musclecar free on BijouTheater.tv for a refreshingly weird ride.
Trivia
- Directed by Dwayne Labbe
- Released in 2017
- Runtime: 77 minutes
- Starring Jacinta Stapleton, Mathew Blackwood-Hume, and Tai Scrivener
- Also features Steve Taylor, Elizabeth Hagan, Christopher Phillips, Paul Armstrong, Anthony Bek, Movin Bek, and Tarek Bek