In amongst all the fictional horrors on offer at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, the directors make sure to add in documentaries for balance. Whilst most of these seek to analyse a specific genre, time period, or filmmaker, there is the occasional documentary that comes from nowhere and surprises everyone. This year that honour goes to Otto Baxter: Not a F*cking Horror Story.
As the title suggests, the subject of this documentary is Otto Baxter. It is a name that most people will not be familiar with and yet many will have seen him on screen countless times over the years. Baxter has been part of several documentaries and has appeared on a variety of daytime television alongside his mum, Lucy Baxter. The reason for all the media attention is that Otto is a young man with Down’s Syndrome. His mother adopted Otto along with his three brothers, who were also born with the condition, and has raised them alone as a single mother. Her commitment to her sons is beautiful and of course she caught the curiosity of the British public. Later, in 2009 Otto was the subject of another documentary – Love, Lust and Las Vegas, which chronicled his journey to find love. On that project he met directors Bruce Fletcher and Peter Beard who have become life-long friends.
It was the bond between the three of them that inspired their latest collaboration, and whilst its title may seem confronting, it serves a very specific purpose. Filmed over five years, Otto Baxter: Not a F*cking Horror Story, follows Otto as he begins work on a semi-autobiographical short film, Puppet Asylum. All his life, Otto has felt like a monster and his decision to tell a version of his story within the framework of a horror movie makes sense. The documentary highlights how different parts and experiences from Otto’s life are transposed into the film. The resulting short film is as emotional as it is horrific. With Puppet Asylum (which FrightFest is also screening) Otto tells of a young man coming into his power. At the same time this documentary is telling a parallel story of Otto finding his voice through the expressive medium of film.
At the heart of this documentary is the connection between Bruce, Peter and Otto. The three of them have an easy rapport and their constant banter with one another softens some of the harder aspects, particularly around Otto’s birth mother. This is a documentary that celebrates perseverance in the face of adversity as well as the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making a movie. Many aspects of Otto’s story will connect with the audience, and Otto Baxter: Not a F*cking Horror Story is a rousing battle cry, not for equality, but simply to let everyone live their life their own way. It is a vital message, but one that also comes with a complementary short horror film of excellent quality. Puppet Asylum is a nightmarish Victorian horror film riddled with malice and spite. The connecting tissue between short and documentary necessitates them being watched in tandem.
Otto Baxter: Not a F*cking Horror Story
Summary
Come for the compelling character, stay for the introduction of an exciting new genre voice.
Otto Baxter: Not a F*cking Horror Story was reviewed at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest. Otto Baxter: Not a F*cking Horror Story will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 1st September and on Sky Documentaries and NOW from 23rd September.
