THE BETA TEST
What kind of person might accept a mysterious invitation to an anonymous, no-strings sexual encounter? THE BETA TEST (trailer here) uses this premise as an entrypoint into the life of fictional Hollywood agent Jordan Hines (Cummings), whose constant schmoozing has practically made him disappear into a caricature of himself. It’s a complete satire of the entertainment industry; and while Hines is an active participant in this world, in classic Jim Cummings fashion, the film still manages to humanize its protagonist. THUNDER ROAD expertly balances comedy and tragedy (you don’t know whether to laugh or cry—or both), and WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW followed suit while bringing elements of horror into the mix. Now we have a Giallo-inspired, noir-influenced paranoia thriller that examines how toxic masculinity and artifice can take a toll on even someone higher up the ladder…while not at all excusing him from being a horrible person.
—Alicia Devereaux, Development Assistant
