Watch Bad Fever

Bad Fever from 2011 is a character-driven indie film directed by Dustin Guy Defa, starring Kentucker Audley as Eddie, a lonely and socially awkward drifter with a dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. The movie explores Eddie's existential crisis as he navigates through his mundane life working in a fluorescent-lit office during the day, and performing at a small, dingy comedy club at night.

The film is set against the backdrop of Salt Lake City, Utah, and it does an excellent job of capturing Eddie's isolation and longing for human connection in a city that seems to be devoid of any sense of community. The desolate streets, dimly lit alleyways, and the eerie quietness of the suburbs contribute to the overall atmosphere of loneliness and despair that permeates throughout the film.

Eddie's one and only friend is Irene, played by Allison Baar, a seemingly cheerful young woman who shares his love for low-budget horror movies. Despite Irene's friendly demeanor, Eddie struggles to connect with her on a deeper level, and their relationship is more akin to that of an acquaintance than a true friend.

The film takes a surreal turn when Eddie encounters a young woman named Irene, played by Eléonore Hendricks, who is looking for her missing sister. Eddie agrees to help her in her search, and a strange and uneasy dynamic develops between the two. Hendricks delivers an excellent performance as Irene, and her character provides a much-needed jolt of energy to the otherwise bleak and uneventful storyline.

One of the most interesting aspects of Bad Fever is its use of humor as a coping mechanism. Eddie's stand-up comedy routines, which are often ill-received and met with awkward silences, are the only moments where he seems to be able to express himself freely. There is a stark contrast between Eddie's onstage persona, which is filled with self-deprecating jokes and ironic observations, and his offstage personality, which is characterized by extreme shyness and social anxiety.

Kentucker Audley's performance as Eddie is one of the standout elements of the film. He does an exceptional job of capturing the subtle nuances of a man who is desperate for connection but unable to articulate his feelings. Audley's understated acting style perfectly suits the film's minimalist approach, and he manages to convey an immense amount of emotion without ever resorting to melodrama.

The film's pacing is deliberate and slow, which may turn off some viewers expecting a more traditionally structured narrative. However, Bad Fever rewards patient viewers with its beautifully shot landscapes and understated exploration of the human condition. The director makes brilliant use of ambient sound to create an immersive experience, and the film's haunting musical score adds to its overall sense of melancholy.

In conclusion, Bad Fever is a deeply introspective and poignant film that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or isolated. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it is a masterclass in minimalist storytelling that rewards viewers with a beautifully crafted meditation on loneliness, human connection, and the power of comedy.

Bad Fever is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 43.