by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden
In our “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. For this installment, it’s It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, the first feature-length from Rachel Kempf, Nick Toti, and DieDieVideo.
Synopsis
When two scary movie fanatics (codirectors/cowriters Rachel Kempf and Nick Toti) buy an abandoned duplex to shoot their next indie horror film in, they are delighted to find the dilapidated property is even creepier than it appears. Putting their years of horror filmmaking and amateur ghost hunting to use, they team up with their old friend Christian to document the cult of random strangers who gather outside the building in a zombie-like trance. As the three friends gleefully chase their obsession with the supernatural, their investigation becomes an increasingly ecstatic quest to see just how scary their real-life horror movie can get. What’s the worst that could happen?
The Good
Joseph: One of the more unique riffs on the found footage horror approach in recent memory, It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This skillfully blends footage from the past — reportedly as long ago as more than 20 years ago — of filmmakers Kempf and Toti with footage that they made when buying a trashed house for a movie project and that which they devised when they realized they could come up with something they hadn’t previously planned. The result is a blending of fact and fiction that often intrigues, sometimes baffles, and always entertains. It’s interesting to try to surmise how much of, and when, the duo is actually just being themselves on camera and when they are playing exaggerated versions of themselves. The feel of the film ranges from lo-fi eerie to downright creepy at times. And while wandering through a dark, dilapidated house can bog down some found footage films, here Kempf and Toti make the most of those journeys.
Mike: Right out of the gate, I have to mention that one of the best parts of It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This is Rachel Kempf and Nick Toti’s usage of older and unrelated footage and weaving it into the story in a form of real life retconning that makes this feel like a cousin of Richard Linklater's Boyhood (which used film shot over the span of 12 years, for those who don’t know). This feature works so perfectly with the found footage style of filming (and while this might not be “found footage” in the expected sense of the presentation, for sake of argument we’re going to call it such), that it becomes very easy to immerse yourself into the world that is unfolding in front of you.
It doesn’t hurt that Rachel and Nick are likable as a couple and come across as people you might want to hang out with (assuming you share their interests like ghost hunting and, if Rachel’s shirts are anything to go by, Dario Argento), so it’s not a huge stretch to feel engaged with them and what happens along the way.
The Bad
Joseph: Although It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This relies more on goosebumps-inducing creepiness than jump scares, I had issues with at least two sound design choices meant to startle suddenly. I’ll not explain further so that potential viewers can feel a shock similar to what I felt. Also, though I found Kempf, Toti, and Christian to be interesting characters to follow, I can see them being divisive to some viewers.
Mike: As with any found footage film there are some scenes that seem to go on too long and others that just seem like they’re there, whether to pad the run time or because the filmmakers couldn’t agree on what to cut out.
That’s really it, and thankfully any other “bad” elements found within It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This can mostly be excused because of the found footage style of filming. Although to be honest, these would be minor quibbles and when considered within the conceit of the entire package, it makes sense that they are there.
The Verdict
Joseph: Kempf and Toti want It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This to be an in-person event only, so if the film heads your way — and they are not limiting screenings only to film festivals — I would highly recommend going out of your way to see it. Its approach may seem unstructured at times, but don’t be fooled into thinking that wasn’t the duo’s plan all along.
Mike: Kempf and Toti have made it clear that their film will not be released in a home format (disc or digital) and instead will remain to be seen only via screening the film in a live setting. While a part of me sees this as a missed opportunity to add It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This to the list of well crafted found footage films, a larger part of me respects their dedication to their art and sticking by their guns to keep the experience as they intended it and as such I feel pretty fortunate to have been provided the chance to screen this.
Fans of found footage films and supernatural horror will do well to catch this during the A Night of Horror film festival if possible. If not, make sure you keep it on your radar for future shows as it’s not one to miss.
It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This
Directed By: Rachel Kempf, Nick Toti
Written By: Rachel Kempf, Nick Toti
Starring: Rachel Kempf, Nick Toti
Run Time: 1h 23m
Rating: NR
Release Date: 2024