[Sundance 2023 Review] 'Onyx the Fortuitous & the Talisman of Souls' Casts a Clunky though Charming Spell

​Based on his popular internet character of the same name, writer/director Andrew Bowser introduces audiences to Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls in a dark fantasy horror comedy brimming with oddball humor, magic and a cast of personalities that you’re either going to love or wish they be crushed by Satan posthaste.
 
I don’t know.
 
In this first feature adventure of Onyx (Bowser), the Devil worshipping, “Battle Cats” pajama wearing weirdo wins a contest to attend a weekend stay at the mansion of his Satanist idol, Bartok the Great (the incomparable Jeffrey Combs). But when Onyx and the other guests arrive, they soon discover that this invite is no invite at all, but a lure into a demonic trap with dire consequences.
 
Whether or not you enjoy Onyx is going to depend on just how entertaining you find the character. What Bowser has created is certainly unique, but like putting maple syrup on pizza—something an ex of mine used to do--Onyx is an acquired flavor not everyone will enjoy. While different from all of them, Bowser’s creation exists in the same realm as other goofballs such as Ernest, Molly Shannon’s armpit sniffing Mary Katherine Gallagher, Ace Ventura…you get the idea. This socially awkward outcast is loud. He’s obnoxious. And his nervous tics, such as saying “I don’t know” after nearly every sentence, are going to grate some of your nerves into dust. Just keep in mind, being annoying is the point. Onyx isn’t supposed to come off like the dude you want to spend longer than five minutes with, and Bowser does an excellent job of selling the character, for better or worse.
 
I don’t know.
 
Goofy characters and cornball humor is what makes Onyx such a charming if not hilarious joy, though. Aside from the always delightful Combs relishing in the villainous role of Bartok with his signature charisma, Bowser’s film is full of entertaining weirdos. Whether its Bartok’s mysterious assistant, Farrah (Olivia Taylor Dudley) or Christian housewife turned Satanist, Shelley (Arden Myrin), there’s not a member of the cast that doesn’t appear as if they are having an absolute blast bringing these peculiar people to life. The humor is hit or miss and certain relationships are undercooked despite the near two-hour runtime, but there’s a heartfelt whimsy that beats throughout Onyx. Mixed together in this glowing cauldron are themes of self-discovery and the gift of being different, something most horror fans will be able to relate to.
 
I don’t know.

​As for the horror side of things, Onyx has its fair share of ghoulish delights. Though never scary—think of this as having a similar tone to Elvira’s filmic adventures—Bowser presents practical ghouls, demons and other creatures of the night, oh my! And they all look spectacular. When it comes to putting monsters on screen, Bowser gets it. Because this is a film about dark magic, there are some unavoidable bits of less-than-quality CG, but each and every creature which appears is treated with the care and wonder of a wide-eyed monster kid. Digital demons have nothing on these devilish puppets large and small that had me perking up every time they popped onto screen. That’s the thing with Onyx; Despite any of its flaws, there’s no doubt a deep appreciation for the macabre which Bowser pours into every frame. Horror fans will get a kick out of the playful references that Bowser sprinkles throughout, such as the voodoo spell from Child’s Play or a wonderful though underutilized Barbara Crampton shouting to “get a job and a sideshow”.
 
I don’t know.
 
Bowser is clearly having fun with the premise—even inserting a bizarre musical number that had me spilling my guts—I just wish there was more of it. While there are inspired creatures and outlandish moments, they’re few and far between in an otherwise disjointed film with a pacing that limps along like one of its ghoulish creatures. Momentum often slows or comes to a full stop as the characters painstakingly put together the obvious, all while we’re left to ask why they’re even staying in the first place once they realize this wealthy Satanist isn’t exactly a good guy.
 
I don’t know.
 
But I can confidently say that anyone who is a fan of Bowser’s videos will enjoy Onyx’s latest antics. The humor may not always work and the runtime could’ve used a good slicing and dicing, yet Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls casts an endearing spell with gleeful characters and an obvious love for weirdos of all types. Will it blow your mind? Probably not. But I’d be shocked if Bowser’s film didn’t at least get a few well-earned laughs out of you.

By Matt Konopka