One of the most exciting projects premiering at the brand new Nightstream Film Festival this month (October 8-11) is Frank & Zed, a DIY passion project from Portland-based filmmaker and puppeteer Jesse Blanchard. The all-puppet horror movie was made over a period of seven years, “filled to the bloody brim with long-forgotten ancient secrets, a towering cursed castle, and a world of unbelievable characters that both honor the legacy and humor of The Muppets while simultaneously making their own ghastly mark on the world of cinema.”
THR notes: “It was shot in 4K in Blanchard’s garage and a nearby studio and required the creation of 40 handmade puppets, miniatures, practical cloud tank effects, and actual fire.”
The Hollywood Reporter also debuted the trailer today, which you’ll find below. And we can almost guarantee this brief look at the movie will shoot Frank & Zed right to the top of your must-watch list, as it looks to be a delightful use of old school puppetry and a truly one-of-a-kind experience. If you want to see it ASAP, be sure to grab your Nightstream tickets!
Here’s the full plot rundown….
“Long ago, a foul wizard was cut down by cursed weapons of tremendous power, leaving behind two servants, Frank and Zed.
“For centuries, the two monsters have survived by working together: Frank hunts for squirrels to feed Zed, and Zed hooks Frank up to a lightning rod to charge. But just as their decrepit bodies crumble beyond repair, a new threat arises in the nearby village.
“In a dark grab for power, the Lord Regent of the village deliberately triggers the curse by sending innocent civilians into the woods. Frank mistakes the wayward villagers for threats, cutting them down and serving their brains to Zed. This awakens a thirst for human flesh in Zed and stirs memories of his tragic past in Frank. In the ensuing chaos, their friendship is torn asunder.
“Convinced that killing the monsters is the only way to save themselves, the villagers dig up the cursed weapons and storm the castle. Now, Frank and Zed must come together if they are to survive The Orgy of Blood.”