Stop me if you’ve heard this film plot line before- a newly married couple go to an isolated house, to be attacked by some outside force. Yes, this is very heavily trodden ground, which is normally full to the brim with clichés and predictability. The basics of Crumb Catcher follow the above vague plot outline, but boy, does this 2023 film twist, turn, and warp the concept. It’s a blend of thriller, awkward & dark humour, martial drama, tense horror, and satire. Here from Arrow Video, both in the UK and Stateside, is a release of the film, taking in a director's commentary, a making of, previous films by the director, and more

Crumb Catcher was directed/co-written by New York-based Chris Skotchdopole. It was co-written by actor/ producer/director Larry Fessenden( The House Of The Devil, Wendigo, We Are Still Here), and actor Rigo Garay, who plays the male lead in the film. Crumb Catcher is Skotchdopole's feature-length debut- before this, he made four shorts- these take in Just Smile (2010), a drama regarding a young man who finds solace in his pet frog, during his parents' divorce.  And The Egg and the Hatchet( 2016) regarding a surprise date where neither party says what they want to do.

Crumb Catcher is one of those films; the less you know, the better. I’ll give you an idea of the lead characters, and a few more things- but largely I’m going to bypass the plot's unfold, so it'll be as engaging, surprising, and at points deranged as it should be.

So our twenty-something newlyweds are- Shane (Rigo Garay) is a Latino twentysomething with tattoos on his hands, neck & face. He comes from a troubled/ difficult background, but is on the verge of making it, as he’s written a book, with a large advance in the bank. And Leah( Ella Rae Peck), a well-spoken/ clearly educated caucasian, who works for the publisher, Shane’s book is going to be published

We first meet the pair when they are having a series of professional photos taken after their wedding, and fairly soon, they are hitting the road to travel out to a large, plush and modern lakeside house, which is owned by one of Leah’s artist friends. There is an undercurrent of woozy unease/ dread as the pair drives along. And this continues when they arrive at the house.

And here is where I leave the plot. But trust me, it truly goes down a totally unexpected route, which blends at first dark & awkward humour, moving into desperation & pity, through to derangement & very real fear/ threat. I don’t want to reveal anything about who are visitor is, or what they do- but I can/ must say one point we get one of the most disorientating car driving sequences I’ve ever seen, as well as a great generally inspired blending of thriller, drama, comedy, and horror tropes.

The small cast is very well selected, blending our twentysomethings leads with great middle-aged acting talent. The whole thing really does twist & turn along, and at points you truly do wonder what can/ will happen next, but still keeping things in reality/believability.  All in all, Crumb Catcher is an impressive debut film, which will be appreciated by those who enjoy unpredictable genre films.

Extras-wise on the disc, we get a nice selection of things- first off is a director's commentary- this isn’t bad/ has worth, though at times Skotchdopole does come off a little smug/pretentious. He begins by discussing the pre-credits sound design elements and how these give a voyeuristic perspective. We find out the wedding photo shoot was filmed last, and the images of a real wedding were of the director's brother's happy day.  He talks about the sparing use of the colour red, and that it’s only used at critical/pivotal moments. We find out that lead Garay & Skotchdopole have been friends for years, and have created a few characters together. Later on, he talks about clever use of musical cues, and more.

Otherwise, we have Catching The Crumbs ( 37.48) this is a making of, with interviews/ footage of the film's key creators/ actors. And it’s well worth a look. Otherwise, on the archive side, we have two of the directors' earlier shorts- 2010’s Camp Out (12.30) and 2016’s The Egg and the Hatchet (20.00)

All in all, Crumb Catcher is an original, often surprising genre film, which effectively blends elements of thriller, awkward & dark humour, martial drama, tense horror, and satire. And it’s great to see it getting the normally classy Arrow Video presentation.