A New Era in Cinema? Exploring the Impact of ‘Hundreds of Beavers'
When Daniel Scheinert, the co-director of the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, declares that a movie is “the future of cinema,” it's worth taking note. Hundreds of Beavers, directed by Mike Cheslik, is that movie. Released on VOD in early 2024 after making the rounds at festivals like Fantastic Fest 2022, this film has slowly garnered a dedicated following. With a budget of just $150,000, it's a refreshing reminder that great cinema doesn't always need blockbuster financing to leave a lasting impact.
Shot in black and white and heavily inspired by the slapstick comedies of the 1920s and 1930s, Hundreds of Beavers brings silent-era charm to a modern audience. It stars Ryland Tews as a down-on-his-luck applejack maker battling a horde of beavers while vying for the affection of a merchant's daughter. The film's stylized humor and visual storytelling set it apart from today's dialogue-heavy fare, transporting viewers back to a time when physical comedy was king.
With an impressive 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 82 on Metacritic, the film has received praise for its ingenuity and entertainment value, despite limited press coverage. Much of its appeal lies in its handcrafted feel—filmed in rural Wisconsin and Michigan over a three-month period in 2019-2020, the production exudes an organic authenticity that big-budget films often lack.
However, despite Scheinert's bold endorsement, Hundreds of Beavers didn't get the theatrical attention it arguably deserved, screening in just 14 theaters across the Great Lakes region. One can't help but wonder if its niche appeal will limit its reach, or if this might actually bolster its status as a cult classic in the making.
The future of cinema may indeed lie in films like Hundreds of Beavers, which dare to break the mold and embrace the unconventional. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from outside the mainstream.
Hundreds of Beavers appears to be a film that revels in creativity and nostalgia, transporting viewers to a time when cinema was defined by pure visual storytelling. Its micro-budget and slapstick style represent a bold departure from typical Hollywood fare, making Scheinert's praise seem fitting. It's the kind of film that challenges the industry to embrace originality and craftsmanship.
What do you think makes a film “the future of cinema”? Would you be interested in watching Hundreds of Beavers?
Thanks for the shout out but HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS played ( and continues to play in theaters.
The 14 city tour of the Great Lakes was the START. It has played in over 200 theaters (many were one of shows and sold out) in the US & Canada over the last 9 months and is still playing .the box office is $500,000. This may be at tiny amount to a studio but it is great for self distributed indie film. ( Full disclosure I am the booker)