Joe Meredith is worth checking out

Review of Harvest Brood (2025) by screenqueeen: 👍 3/5

60/100

interesting little thing that doesn't feel like it knows what it wants to be tonally although its mix of subgenres is the most natural thing about it. very intriguing as a documentary with what feel like reenactments within the telling with its own practical effects arsenal but sometimes actual happenings occurring. the 'guy with a gun' savior device killed a lot of interest i had going into this and the silent sudden pivot on the simplest of the urban legends in the film, madaxe, until it just stops focusing on him. i got more somber Polonia brothers vibes from this underneath the influence of Autopsy (but i felt that it had more kinship with cold case files). the performances leave a lot to be desired but the creation of this small town and its vague yet sufficiently detailed legends outlining its folkloric monsters roaming on the edge of the small borders of polite society is extremely compelling. for me its a situation where some ingredients are vastly superior than others so when all is combined, those incredible parts feel a little too far between what is altogether average. this is my first Joe Meredith so maybe my feelings will change on this one.