By Amy Watkins
The Shining meets After Hours in Eugenio Mira’s The Birthday – a strange, feverish tale that spirals from awkward comedy into cosmic horror. It may not be for everyone, but fans of the absurd will most definitely appreciate this underrated gem.
The Birthday originally premiered at the Sitges International Film Festival in 2004, enjoying a brief festival run before fading into obscurity. Nearly two decades later, a bootleg copy began circulating online, gaining a small but dedicated following. This included the attention of filmmaker Jordan Peele, who helped present the film at 2024’s Fantastic Fest. Partnering with Drafthouse Films, Peele ensured The Birthday was shown in theatres across the country, breathing new life into this long-lost gem.
Described as “The most amazing 117 minutes in the life of Norman Forrester”, The Birthday follows Norman (Corey Feldman), an awkward pizza shop worker who attends a birthday party with his girlfriend, Alison (Erica Prior), and her wealthy family. What begins as an evening of excitement—eager to meet Alison’s family for the first time—quickly unravels into chaos when Norman uncovers an ancient, dark force threatening to bring about the apocalypse.
Mira delivers exactly what’s promised – 117 minutes in the life of Norman Forrester. Much like Hitchcock’s Rope, Mira took a real-time approach with an unbroken, continuous narrative; and its execution is flawless. The timing is impeccable, with quick camera shifts and actor movements to keep the flow natural. The film’s pacing is perfectly calibrated, never rushing but never dragging, creating a seamless experience where every movement and gesture feels essential to the unfolding chaos.
Invoking comparisons to filmmakers like David Lynch and the Coen brothers, The Birthday is a fusion of dark humour and surreal storytelling. While the film’s deliberate pacing and unconventional narrative structure might not appeal to everyone, it offers an exhilarating, refreshing experience for those eager for something offbeat. Its tonal balance dances between chaotic humour and existential dread, evoking the cosmic horror of Lovecraft while maintaining an almost naive optimism through its protagonist, Norman.
Corey Feldman’s portrayal adds complexity to this juxtaposition – he’s a reluctant hero navigating a bizarre nightmare. Norman is awkward, vulnerable, and completely out of his depth – not only with the surreal events happening around him, but at the party itself. And it’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling off this role with such perfection. Feldman brings Norman to life through comedic timing that, at times, feels inappropriate but completely justified.
The Birthday is a uniquely captivating film that defies conventional storytelling, offering a thrilling blend of dark humour, surreal horror, and oddball charm. Its execution, driven by Eugene Mira’s impeccable direction and Corey Feldman’s unforgettable performance, elevates the experience into something truly special for lovers of unconventional cinema. With its resurgence, thanks to Jordan Peele’s championing, The Birthday finally receives the audience it deserves. It’s a cult classic in the making—unpredictable, chaotic, and utterly compelling.
Bloody Flicks 