Sean Whalen’s “CRUST” (2024) – Film Review

I remember seeing the crowdfunding campaign for Sean Whalen’s directorial debut a few years ago crusta film about a sock monster who helps a man get revenge on those who hurt him. I was super excited about the project, but didn’t hear anything for a long time. So crust is officially finished and I had a chance to check it out.

Read on for my thoughts!

Summary

A depressed former child actor and owner of a dingy laundromat finds himself on a quest for massive revenge when his collection of lonely socks transforms into a protective, sweet, murderous monster named Crust.

crust The film was directed by Sean Whalen and written by Whalen and Jim Wald. Starring Sean Whalen (The people under the stairs), Rebekah Kennedy (Two witches), Felissa Rose (Sleeping camp), Daniel Roebuck (horror 3) and Alan Ruck (Ferris Bueller’s day off)

Damned, crust absolutely exceeded all expectations. The film ranges from heartfelt to horrifying to absolutely heartbreaking.

I absolutely loved the characters and the actors who brought them to life. Sean Whalen’s Vegas Winters features a lovable depressed loser hiding a dark side. Sean Whalen is able to cover all sides of Vegas’ character in a believable way. He’s adorable, he’s funny, he’s sad and most of all he’s scary as hell. Rebekah Kennedy’s Nila, Vegas’ lover, is charming, sweet and supportive, but has her own twisted past and hidden secrets. Rebekah Kennedy, who I absolutely loved as Masha Two witchesShe hits the jackpot here, delivers a different performance and proves her versatility.

Vegas and Nila’s relationship is mostly sweet and loving, but of course this is a horror film, so it has its dark and twisted side too. Daniel Roebuck is an absolute blast as Russ, Vegas’ partner at the laundromat. He’s like your lovable, drunk uncle. He’s hilarious and an absolute delight. Felissa Rose is fun and gives a great performance as Vegas’ bitchy ex-girlfriend Laura.

Now let’s get to the star of the show: Crust. He’s an absolutely adorable monster made out of a stack of socks who kills the people who upset or hurt Vegas. He’s one of the cutest creatures I’ve seen in a movie since the intestinal demon Milo Bad Miloa character that he somehow reminds me of in his personality. He cheers up and supports Vegas, a bit like an emotional support animal, but one that slaughters those who hurt his owner. The story here really puzzled me and includes many different elements. There is revenge, romance, comedy, horror and tragedy. The final act takes a truly dark turn as Vegas begins to pursue his career in Hollywood again. I won’t ruin anything, but I think it gets really twisted and fucked up, and honestly the ending left me disappointed and more than a little upset.

Final thoughts

crust feels like a mashup in between Bad Milo And American Psycho I never knew I needed it in my life, but I’m glad it’s there. It has romance, horror, comedy, tragedy, a cute creature, and even a great dance number from Sean Whalen (“Rockin Robin,” of all things). I highly recommend you watch this film. You won’t be disappointed.