Rufus review

By Amy Watkins

Directed by Mars Roberge, horror anthology Rufus presents five unsettling tales. Each segment delves into body horror, delivering a wild mix of eccentricity, wackiness, and bizarre twists.

The film follows Rufus (‘Freeway’ Ricky Ross), a local man from the hood who spins five disturbing tales to passersby. The setup feels organic, as Rufus casually encounters various neighbours, with each conversation seamlessly transitioning into a story or segment. While the production is undeniably low-budget, it still delivers an entertaining experience.

The first segment follows Stanley (Angelo Moore), a local coroner who, whilst examining a deceased criminal described as “the man with the deadly hands”, accidentally cuts himself. The criminal’s blood mingles with his own, and soon Stanley discovers that his hands have become possessed by the criminal. With a mind of their own, his hands wreak havoc, pulling him into a horrifying struggle for control. It’s Rubber meets Critters; an almost comical segment that is nonetheless entertaining.  

The second story follows Emily (Debra Haden), an aspiring actress who lands the role of a lifetime in a touring production. However, when her fellow cast members begin exhibiting eerie, literal signs of animalistic tendencies, Emily’s dream quickly devolves into a hellish nightmare. Unlike the preceding segment, this one leans fully into pure horror and is arguably one of the most disturbing in the film. It also boasts some of the strongest performances, with David J delivering a standout portrayal as the unsettling theatre owner—his sinister grin is impossible to forget.

The third story takes place in a hospital running a telepathic program led by Dr Saul (Spookey Ruben) and his lead nurse Ruth (Jennifer Drake). This segment is packed with twists and surreal moments, making it one that truly needs to be experienced to be fully understood. However, its bizarre nature offers an entertaining mix of dark humour and mind-bending scenarios that keep you on edge. Despite its chaotic storytelling, the segment’s offbeat charm and unpredictability make it a standout.

The fourth story follows a couple, Linda (Monique Parent) and Alicia (Verona Blue), who’ve recently adopted their first child. The twist? He’s half dog, half human —or, as Rufus puts it, a “Korean dog boy.” Despite spanning only three minutes, this segment leaves a lasting impression. It’s bizarre, wild, and completely nonsensical, but nevertheless offers 3-minutes of light entertainment.

The final segment follows Roger (Jim Sclavunos), who takes matters into his own relentless hands to “clean up” the country. The story is presented from Roger’s perspective, immersing us in the paranoid mindset of a man convinced his country has gone to the dogs. It places us squarely in Roger’s shoes, forcing us to grapple with his skewed, often unsettling worldview. While it may not be the strongest segment in the film—frequent cuts to chaotic and disjointed scenes can disrupt the flow—it still delivers a thought-provoking commentary on the thin line between righteousness and madness.

Overall, Rufus is an entertaining anthology, perfect for some light-watching. While it may not offer anything inherently new to the genre, with most of the segments borrowing from familiar tropes and themes, it stands out for its quirky, offbeat charm and willingness to embrace the bizarre.