Siena Agudong and Brec Bassinger have signed on to star in “Buzzkill,” a horror-comedy short that is now slated for an October release. The project, which is directed by Amanda Griswold, will hit screens on October 18, 2024, according to details shared exclusively with USA Film News.
The eight-minute film centers on a premise that is as absurd as it is unsettling: a jealous vibrator will stop at nothing to maintain its place in its owner’s life. That logline sets up a darkly comic tone that blends horror and thriller elements, creating a tight, high-concept romp that leans into the anxieties of modern intimacy and the strange attachments people form with their possessions.
“Buzzkill” stars Katherine Cozumel as Phoebe, the owner at the center of this mechanical obsession, with Aubrey Duncan taking on the role of Margox, the vibrator with a mind of its own. Spencer Hammerstad appears as Kevin, and Meghan Sinclair rounds out the cast as Liz. The ensemble is small, but the setup suggests a claustrophobic, pressure-cooker dynamic that should suit the short-form running time.
Agudong, known for her work on Nickelodeon’s “Star Falls” and the Netflix series “No Good Nick,” brings a youthful energy to the project. Bassinger, who led the CW’s “Stargirl” for three seasons, has proven her range in both superhero action and comedic beats. Their involvement signals that “Buzzkill” aims for a polish beyond the typical micro-budget short, potentially positioning it for festival play before its digital release.
For Griswold, “Buzzkill” represents a chance to showcase a distinctive voice in genre filmmaking. The director has been building a resume that leans into offbeat character studies, and this project allows her to explore the intersection of horror and humor - a space where tonal balance is everything. The eight-minute run time means there is little room for wasted motion; every scene must land its laugh or its scare, ideally both at once.
The film’s genre blend is a tricky one. Comedy hinges on timing and relatability, while horror requires a real sense of stakes or unease. In “Buzzkill,” the threat is domestic and intimate, which makes it inherently relatable - everyone has had a favorite gadget they’d hate to lose, even if that gadget doesn’t usually develop a murderous personality. The premise taps into a universal anxiety about being replaced, whether in romance or in the hierarchy of one’s own bedroom.
That tension is likely amplified by the dynamic between Phoebe and Margox. Margox, voiced or motion-captured by Duncan, is not merely a prop but a character with agency, and the film’s success depends on selling that absurdity without tipping fully into parody. The thriller elements suggest that the story will play the threat with a straight face, allowing the comedy to emerge from the sheer silliness of the situation rather than from wink-at-the-camera gags.
The October release date is a deliberate choice. Horror-adjacent titles find a natural audience during the spooky season, and a short like “Buzzkill” could easily find a home on streaming platforms looking to bulk up their Halloween offerings. The exclusive announcement suggests that distribution is being handled with care, likely with a partner that recognizes the value of a quick, shareable, and conversation-starting piece of content.
At zero runtime concerns - eight minutes is practically a snack - the film is positioned for easy viewing. That brevity works in its favor. It demands little of the audience’s time but promises a memorable, quirky hook that could generate word-of-mouth buzz. The title itself is a double entendre, playing on both the sexual connotation of the device and the idea of killing someone’s good time, which fits the film’s mischievous tone.
The cast and crew have kept details about the plot under wraps beyond the basic logline, but the combination of Agudong and Bassinger suggests that “Buzzkill” is aiming for a broad demographic - young adults who appreciate both cheeky comedy and a genuine shiver. The film’s rating has not been disclosed, but the subject matter points to an R-rating or at least a mature sensibility, which could help it stand out in a crowded field of tame horror-lite content.
Production on “Buzzkill” has been completed, with post-production finishing in time for the October launch. The filmmakers have not yet announced a festival premiere, but the fall date leaves room for a festival debut before the wide release.
For now, audiences can mark their calendars for October 18, 2024, and prepare for a short that promises to be anything but a drag. With a solid cast, a witty concept, and a director ready to make her mark, “Buzzkill” looks like a dark horse entry in the fall horror-comedy sweepstakes. Whether it delivers on its promise of a jealous inanimate object remains to be seen, but the premise alone is enough to justify a watch.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
