As children, we have really curious minds, and some of us can gravitate towards animals when other kids may not get us.
This could be dogs, cats, rabbits or some cases amphibians such as toads…
As the school janitor cleans up the vandalism on one of the lockers for our titular toad enthusiast, he hears buzzing from within the lockers and looks to investigate.
What he finds is a shrine of sorts to toads but also a mysterious book.
It’s quite an interesting choice to keep Todd, the child in question, away from the narrative, which feels lived in and has some background via the Principal’s talk with his sister who appears to be his only friend.
This brings us to Todd’s house, as the Principal doesn’t receive a response from his parents. McLaughlin, not just via the winter setting, gives Toad Boy a really chilly atmosphere, as the sound design and cinematography exemplify.
Toad Boy has a visceral edge, but the flip side is the consequences of bullying someone who may have no F’s left to give.
The body horror here is spectacular and extra gooey, making Toad Boy a must-watch.
Toad Boy screens as part of Soho Horror Film Festival 2023.
Bloody Flicks 